eNNOUNCER March 2026
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AAPT News
Update Regarding Our Annual Meetings
AAPT is making changes to the strategy of our annual meetings that will support efforts in providing rewarding programming for our members. Read about the changes here. AAPT is a member-driven organization and we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to complete this survey and help us continue to enhance the value of AAPT as YOUR physics education community.
Call for Presentations: 2026 AAPT Summer Meeting in Pasadena
AAPT invites you to be part of the 2026 Summer Meeting in Pasadena, California, July 19–22. Join a dynamic community of physics educators to share innovative teaching ideas, research, and best practices while connecting with colleagues who are passionate about advancing physics education. This year’s schedule begins with parallel and plenary sessions on Sunday, July 19. Abstract submissions are due March 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM, and poster submissions are due May 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Review the Call for Presentations and submit your proposal today.
Housing Now Open
Housing for the 2026 AAPT Summer Meeting is now open, with a limited number of rooms available at our official conference hotels near the Pasadena Convention Center. Attendees can take advantage of exclusive discounted rates at Hotel Dena and Hilton Pasadena. We encourage you to book early to secure your preferred accommodations.
Registration Information
Registration for the 2026 Summer Meeting will open in April. Anticipated registration rate information is now available online as you begin planning for Pasadena.
Samantha Gordon Received 2026 Barbara Wolff-Reichert Travel Grant
The 2026 recipient of the Barbara Wolff-Reichert Travel Grant is Samantha Gordon. The award was presented by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) at the AAPT 2026 Winter Meeting in Las Vegas, NV.
Gordon is a New York State Master Teacher and Director of the Nassau County section of the Science Teachers Association of NYS. In accepting this grant she shared that receiving the K-12 Travel Grant meant she could finally attend her first AAPT conference—something that simply wasn't financially feasible before. “As an experienced physics teacher, I've long wanted to connect with the broader physics education community, learn from other educators' innovative practices, and bring fresh ideas back to my classroom. This grant removes the financial barrier and allows me to invest in my professional growth in a way that will directly benefit my students. I'm grateful for this opportunity and excited to engage with colleagues who share my passion for physics education.
Read more
Robert L. Lipton Memorial Fund Awarded to Ryan Bowns-Kamphuis
Ryan Bowns-Kamphuis is the recipient of the 2026 Robert L. Lipton Memorial Award. The award was presented by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) at the AAPT 2026 Winter Meeting in Las Vegas, NV.
Bowns-Kamphuis is Physics Teacher and Robotics Co-Coach at Wolcott College Preparatory High School in Chicago, IL.
"I'm incredibly grateful to have received this award and proud of the faith in my professional practice that it represents", he said regarding this honor. "Through this investment in my career and the quality of physics instruction I can provide, I hope to not only have a positive effect on my students and their learning of physics, but also on the broader physics education community in Chicago and the Chicagoland region.
Read more
The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Names Danielle Buggé Recipient of the 2026 Paul W. Zitzewitz Excellence in K-12 Physics Teaching Award
The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) is proud to announce that Danielle Buggé, a distinguished physics teacher at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South in Princeton Junction, NJ, has been selected to receive the 2026 Paul W. Zitzewitz Award for Excellence in K-12 Physics Teaching.
This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievement in teaching K-12 physics and a commitment to the mission of AAPT. Buggé will be formally honored during the 2026 AAPT Summer Meeting, taking place from July 19–22, 2026, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. As part of the recognition, she will deliver a plenary address.
Buggé is recognized for her “outstanding work in K-12 teaching, for the special connection she manages to forge with her students, for her strong encouragement of others, and for her ability to help her students to develop resilience.” Read more
Alan M. Gibson May 18, 1938 - January 14, 2026
Gibson was born in Evarts, Kentucky on May 18, 1938. He attended Ann Arbor High School, graduating in 1956. His BS in Physics and MS in Secondary education were completed at Eastern Michigan University in 1961. In 1969 he completed a MS in Physics at Cornell University.
He began his teaching career in 1964 working for the Department of Defense Overseas Dependent Schools in Okinawa (1964-66) and as President of American Education Association and in Germany (1966-68). Gibson taught physics at Rochester Adams High School from 1969 to 2000. While there he sponsored the National Honor Society, Robotics Team, Astronomy and Physics Club, brought in $90,000 in Eisenhower Funds for the school. In 2000 he started Connect 2 Science, providing physics workshops.
Gibson was a selfless and tireless warrior in the ongoing war against ignorance, a model educator-citizen, a loyal friend, and an outstanding leader in the Michigan AAPT as well as the Detroit Metro Area PhysicsTeacher groups for over 30 years. He served as the Michigan AAPT Section Representative, as Vice Chair of the Section Representatives from 2005-2007, as Chair of the Section Representatives from 2007-2009, and as a member of the AAPT Executive Board 2005-2009.
Read more
Ruth Hege Howes October 18, 1944 – April 29, 2025
Howes was an American nuclear physicist, expert on nuclear weapons, and historian of science, known for her books on women in physics. Her rich career encompassed physics research, undergraduate physics education, administration, and national service. As co-author of several books that put a spotlight on the careers of female scientists, including those involved in the Manhattan Project, she considerably increased female scientists’ recognition. Read more
Seeking members for the Annual Meeting Program (AMP) subcommittees for the 2026 and 2027 National Meetings
The AAPT Meeting Planning Committee (MPC) is seeking members interested in being part of the Annual Meeting Program (AMP) subcommittees for the 2026 and 2027 meetings. The 2026 meetings are: WM26 - January 17 - 20, Las Vegas, Nevada & SM26 - July 18 - 22, Pasadena, California. The 2027 meetings are: WM27 - January 9 - 12, New Orleans, Louisiana & SM27 - July 31 - August 4, Washington, DC. AMP committee members are tasked to engage in the organization and planning of national meetings as representatives of the AAPT general membership to ensure that the best interests of all stakeholders in AAPT are considered in content, structure, and accessibility for national meetings. If you are interested in being considered for either of these committees, please reach out to the Chair of AAPT's MPC Brad Conrad at brad.r.conrad@gmail.com.
Anonymous Reporting Tool!
AAPT has implemented an ethics and compliance hotline called "Red Flag Reporting." Red Flag Reporting is an independent company that is dedicated to protecting organizations plus their employees, assets, reputations, and in the case of AAPT, our members. This service allows people to report any concerns regarding activities at AAPT events in violation of our code of conduct. To file a report, provide client code AAPTEvent and simply do one of the following:
• Visit www.RedFlagReporting.com and click on "File a Report"
• Call 1-877-647-3335
• Text RFR to 234-231-9005
• You may also use the following (be sure to be detail oriented, provide our client code, and indicate if you wish to be anonymous or not): Fax to 330-572-8146, Email to redflag@redflagreporting.com, Mail to RFR, P.O. Box 4230, Akron, Ohio 44321
We would like everyone to take the time to watch the appropriate video(s) here: Event Attendee Training Videos.
For more information, see this information posted in COMMUNITIES. If you have questions about AAPT's policies regarding these types of matters, we encourage you to review the information contained in our Code of Conduct.
Support AAPT and Join the 1930 Society!
Your support goes above and beyond member dues, and we are so grateful to members like you who are investing in the future of physics education. That's why we decided to launch the 1930 Society. This special group of supporters, named after our founding year, honors contributions of $500 or more every year to our association so we can better serve physics educators and the physics education community.
Would you like to get involved with the 1930 Society? Donate today!
Help Support AAPT!
We are living in incredibly challenging times. AAPT has been on the forefront providing resources to help physics educators. However, we need your support to continue AAPT's programs and resources. Gifts to the AAPT Annual Fund support the everyday operations of AAPT, from inspiring excellence through educational programming to recognizing award winning physics professionals, all critical pieces in supporting the advancement of physics education. Many of these programs run year round that need your support--donate today to the Annual Fund to make a difference!
Organization for Physics at Two-Year Colleges
OPTYCs (The Organization for Physics at Two-Year Colleges) is continuing virtual events.
Join us for free virtual professional development opportunities! Everyone is welcome!
AAPT Programs
Support the U.S. Physics Team - Donate Now
Each year AAPT sponsors a competition for high school students to represent the United States at the International Physics Olympiad Competition. The mission of the U.S. Physics Team Program is to promote and demonstrate academic excellence through preparation for and participation in the International Physics Olympiad. AAPT is responsible for recruiting, selecting and training teams each year to compete in the International Physics Olympiad Competition. Your contribution is needed to support these high school students as they prepare to represent the U.S. internationally. Donate now!
2026 AAPT High School Physics Photo Contest
Registration for the 2026 High School Physics Photo Contest is open March 2 - May 15, 2026. Registration information is posted on the Photo Contest webpage.
2026 F=ma Contest
F=ma and USAPhO exam updates will be posted on the U.S. Physics Team homepage.
2026 AAPT PhysicsBowl Contest
Registration for the 2026 PhysicsBowl contest is now closed. Updates will be posted on the PhysicsBowl webpage.
The Frederick and Florence Bauder Endowment
The Frederick and Florence Bauder Endowment provides grants to support special activities in the area of physics teaching. The deadline for applications to request funds is July 1, 2026.
How a four-person faculty renewed a struggling physics department
Donald Walter, physics area chair at South Carolina State University, recently spoke with APS News about the strategies the faculty at their historically Black university pursued to polish their department’s image and reach new students, utilizing the Effective Practices for Physics Programs (EP3) initiative. Read more.
Nominate for PhysTEC Local Impact Award by April 1
Nominate your program for the 2026 PhysTEC Local Impact Award, celebrating institutions that demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting physics teachers through mentorship, professional development, community engagement, and cross-institution partnerships. Submit your nomination by April 1.
Submit your proposal for the PhysTEC Networks Cohort
The PhysTEC Networks RFP is now open to support a second cohort of collaborative networks working to strengthen the recruitment and preparation of highly qualified high school physics teachers. Eligible organizations can apply for up to two years of funding (November 2026–October 2028), with awards of up to $33,000 per organization or up to $50,000 for partnerships between higher education and K–12 institutions. Proposals are due June 15, 2026.
Celebrate 25 years of PhysTEC at the APS Global Physics Summit
Join PhysTEC at the APS Global Physics Summit for sessions, panels, and receptions dedicated to the education of future physics teachers as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. On March 17, surround yourself with physics and physics teacher educators from around the globe and develop and strengthen professional connections. Choose from 1-day registration or attend the full week.
Save the Date: Summer 2026 Faculty Teaching Institute Workshop
Tell your colleagues and share with your networks that the next FTI workshop will take place in College Park, MD, from June 24-27, 2026. Registration will open in Spring 2026. Physics and astronomy faculty of all ranks are encouraged to apply! Learn more.
2026 PICUP Summer Leadership Institute for Computational Education in Physics
It’s PICUP time! The Partnership for Integration of Computation into Undergraduate Physics (PICUP) is back with a 5-day immersive event to be held June 22- 26, 2025, at the beautiful conference facilities on the campus of the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. This is the second of a series of annual events, the Summer Leadership Institute for Computational Education in Physics (SLICE), that we will convene over the next few years, and we need your participation. This will be an engaging workshop designed specifically for physics faculty eager to explore the integration of computation into their courses and curricula, providing a platform to share experiences and discuss innovative strategies with colleagues. Don't miss this chance to enhance your teaching and collaborate with like-minded educators! There is an application procedure as space is limited. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in now!
For application information and more details go to https://www.compadre.org/PICUP/events/SLICE2026/
Two Upcoming PICUP Workshop on Integrating Computation into High School and Undergraduate Physics: 2026 North Carolina and 2026 Los Angeles Area Regional Workshops
All you who dwell in the NC A&T area or the Los Angeles area (and beyond, depending on your willingness to drive a little for a big gain!) are invited to participate in these day-long events to be held at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, NC on Saturday, April 11 from 9:00am to 4:00pm, and at Riverside City College in Riverside, CA on Saturday, May 2 from 8:30am to 4:30pm. These PICUP workshops are intended for those who desire to energize their physics courses at all levels, and the scope is appropriate for physics teachers from high schools, 2-year colleges, and 4-year colleges and universities. Workshop details and registration information can be found here: https://www.compadre.org/PICUP/events/NCDICE2026/ Please note that these workshops are part of a series of annually occurring PICUP workshops and we urge you to be involved. We are looking to develop a working, supportive community of like-minded instructors who teach computation in their physics classes, and to grow these local efforts into a thriving, self-sustaining community that supports computation in physics into the future and beyond. Please spread the word to other faculty you may know that could benefit from this experience, and do your best to join us on April 11 or May 2.
AAPT Membership
AAPT Member Spotlight
Alma Robinson
Advanced Instructor and PhysTEC Teacher in Residence
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Read More.
Membership Renewal
We appreciate our community of members, and we are here to serve you. If you have any difficulties renewing your membership or have any membership-related questions, please do not hesitate to contact us in the Membership Department at 301.209.3333 or membership@aapt.org.
K12 Corner
Electricity and Magnetism with PhET: Coursera Certificate (& Optional Graduate Credit)
Thanks to PhET’s selection as an American Institute of Physics Meggers Project awardee, high school and intro college/university teachers of conceptual and algebra-based physics to maximize their use of PhET’s electricity and magnetism sims while building effective questioning and modeling skills. Teachers can earn a no-cost certificate verifying 32 professional learning hours. Optional graduate credits are also available. Learn more HERE.
"Physics in an Astronomy Context" Mini Workshop Series
The AAPT team of the NASA Heliophysics Education Activation Team (HEAT) will be offering a series of free, short 1.5-hour workshops one Saturday each month through the 2025-2026 school year. These workshops are directed to all physics teachers (middle school, high school, two-year college, and university), and will focus on lesson ideas and digital resource packages (AAPT Digi Kits) that help teach physics topics in an astronomy context. Register for one or more sessions, and learn more HERE.
Barbara Wolff-Reichert Travel Grants
This endowment fund was established in 2023, by Jonathan F. Reichert to honor Barbara Wolff-Reichert and to encourage both new and experienced high school teachers, who have never done so, to attend and participate in national meetings of the American Association of Physics Teachers. Read more
In the News
Arizona State University Master of Natural Science Degree for High School Teachers
Arizona State University has an interdisciplinary Master of Natural Science (MNS) degree in physics for high school teachers. Courses are in summer, and the degree is founded on Modeling instruction. Teachers in 15 western states can apply for 150% of IN-STATE tuition; the deadline is APRIL 1.
More details: https://physics.asu.edu/admissions/mns-admissions/financial-support
For information: mailto:Jane.Jackson@asu.edu.
ASU Modeling Workshops
The American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA) sponsors Modeling Workshops for teachers of physics and other sciences worldwide. Modeling Instruction is research-informed, model-centered professional learning that builds conceptual understanding, improves classroom discourse, and engages students in the learning process. Spring online and summer in-person and online Modeling Workshops are listed at https://www.modelinginstruction.org/pd-2/.
Find Resources for Teaching Physics for Life Sciences Students on the Living Physics Portal
The Living Physics Portal is an online environment for physics educators to find, share, and discuss free teaching materials for introductory physics for life sciences (IPLS). The objective of the Portal is to improve the education of the next generation of medical professionals and biologists by making physics classes more relevant for life sciences students. The Portal is available for free to all verified educators.
Features available on the Portal are:
• Anyone can view and download over 200 resources in our Vetted Library.
• Registered users can also view and download over 100 resources in our Community Library, along with answer keys and other instructor supplements, and join discussions about resources.
• Registered users can contribute curricular resources and instructor resources to our Community Library and Vetted Library, including adaptations of others' resources, and join our discussions. We accept all kinds of resources at all grain sizes, from a single activity to materials for a whole course. We encourage you to start by submitting a small activity to our Community Library. Once you get the hang of that, we invite you to contribute your polished materials to our Vetted Library to be reviewed by our editors.
Physics Careers
Recruit STEM Interns from the Best Job Sites for FREE!
The AAPT Career Center offers no-cost postings to employers recruiting seasonal interns. Locate the best fit for your organization by reaching the future of the science community - the AAPT membership, as well as the members and student members of the American Physical Society (APS Physics), AVS Science and Technology, and the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma.
Get the word out! Your posting will also appear on the Physics Today Jobs site, which when combined with the job sites of the organizations mentioned above forms the ultimate online science, engineering, and computing career network, ensuring maximum relevant visibility for your internship. Visit https://careers.aapt.org/employers/ to get posting!
Jobs Announcements from the Career Center
Lecturer in Physics, Stanford University, Department of Physics
Department of Physics, Stanford University
Click here for job description.
Physics Teaching Jobs at K-12 Private Schools
ATOMS Placement Services
Click here for job description.
Visiting Assistant Professor or Instructor of Physics
Carleton College
Click here for job description.
Two Assistant Professors of Physics
US Naval Academy Physics Department
Click here for job description.
Section News
Please submit your Section Report for the AAPT Section News. To list your section meeting information on the AAPT website, e-mail the information to mhall@aapt.org.
Joint AAPT Sections Spring 2026 Meeting
We are pleased to announce that the upcoming Joint AAPT Sections Meeting will take place on April 18, 2026, at the University of Delaware, jointly held among the Chesapeake, New Jersey, and Southeast Pennsylvania Sections. We hope you will join us for a day of engaging presentations, demonstrations, and community-building across our AAPT sections. Registration is now open through the meeting website: https://indico.phys.vt.edu/event/72/.
Southern California Section AAPT - Spring Meeting - SAT May 17
On Saturday, May 17, at Pierce College, join the physics teachers and professors of Southern California as they hold their Spring meeting. Anyone can join SCAAPT by emailing SCAAPT@gmail.com. Everyone is invite you to contribute to the show! Submit an abstract or show & tell here: https://bit.ly/SCAAPTSpring2025Abstracts for full report.
Social Media @ AAPT
AAPT wants to connect with you on social media! Stay abreast of the latest AAPT and physics-related news. We invite you to like us, follow us, connect with us, and pin us. You can find us here:
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© 2026, American Association of Physics Teachers
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