Special Election, 2013 National Executive Board Candidate for President
Steven Iona
University of Denver
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Denver, CO 80208
siona@du.edu
Education
S.B (1974). Mathematics, University of Chicago; M.A.T. (1974), Mathematics Education, University of Chicago; Ph.D. (1994) Science Education, University of Denver
Professional Experience
- Merritt Hutton Junior High School (1974-76)
- Thornton High School - Physics, AP Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, G/T Research Class, Department Chair (1976-1988)
- Horizon High School - Physics, Physics II, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physical Science (1988-2003)
- University of Denver – Physics and Astronomy (2003-present), Adjunct work at: Front Range Community College- Physics
- Metropolitan State College of Denver - Science Methods, University of Colorado - Mathematics and Science Teaching Seminar – Colorado Learning Assistant Program
- Teacher in Residence - Metropolitan State University of Denver & University of Colorado Boulder
Memberships
AAPT, AAPT-CO/WY Section, National Association for Research in Science Teaching, NSTA, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Colorado Association of Science Teachers
AAPT Activities
- AAPT Executive Board – Secretary
- AAPT Executive Board – Treasurer
- AAPT Executive Board - Chair of Section Representative
- Executive Board Committees including: Executive Officer Review Committee, Fund Raising Advisory Committee, Publications Committee (Chair), Meetings Study Committee (Chair), Membership and Benefits Committee (Chair), Awards Committee member, Committee on Governance structure member; and
- Outside of the Board my AAPT service includes: High School Committee member; Pre-High School Committee member; TPT Advisory Board; Nominating Committee member; Search Committees – Executive Officer, TPT Editor, AJP Editor, PhysTEC - Teacher in Residence, PTRA
Other Activities
AIP Education Committee member; AIP Physics Resources Policy Committee member; Director - Denver Area Physics Teachers Group; Former Director - Denver Metropolitan Science Fair; SRC Member - Colorado Science and Engineering Fair; Colorado Science Convention Steering Committee; STEM Colorado - Educational Consultant
Awards
Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science (2001)
AAPT Distinguished Service Citation (2006)
University of Denver - Pioneer Award for Teaching (2013)
Commentary
The Association would benefit from having someone with Board experience to complete this shortened term (President and Past President). I have been on the AAPT Executive Board for most of the past decade serving as Chair of the Section Representatives, Secretary, and recently completing a term as Treasurer. These positions have allowed me to see and participate in activities in the Executive Office dealing with finances, membership, governance, staffing issues, and interactions with AIP and other Member Societies.
We need to assure that the Association is meeting the needs of our different constituencies with products, services, and professional development opportunities that are seen as valuable. This will be possible because of the good ideas that come from individuals and the dedication of our membership to see them implemented. The most successful programs have been those that have helped strengthen relationships among the physics teaching communities: e.g., PTRA, SPIN-UP, TYC efforts, PhysTEC, and ComPADRE. AAPT needs to continue to be responsive to the needs in all our communities, but more importantly we need to better link our communities together so that we are: utilizing technology more fully to assist new teachers and teachers new to certain courses; supporting individuals, departments, and programs who need renewal; linking educational research with curricular materials and professional development opportunities. AAPT’s major resource is its membership. We can support each other through publications, through meetings, and electronically, so that AAPT continues to promote collaboration among its members. I can offer to the Executive Board and the Association a historical memory based on my strong participation in past activities within the Association, and an enthusiasm to explore future opportunities so that AAPT can continue to “enhance the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching.”
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