• AAPT ›
  • About AAPT ›
  • Mary Jane Head 2021 Recipient of the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT

Mary Jane Head 2021 Recipient of the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mary Jane Heat

College Park, MD, September 15, 2020—AAPT has announced that Mary Jane Head will receive the association's Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT, during their 2021 Virtual Winter Meeting.

Regarding her selection to receive this citation, Head said, “Advancing the excitement of learning physics to the generations of future scientists and responsible citizens is my passion. I have accomplished whatever I have with the help of so many colleagues in AAPT who have inspired me and mentored me along the way as a cross over teacher. I have served AAPT in appreciation of the many gifts of knowledge and patience they have given to me.”

Head is Secondary Science Instruction Coach in Richmond, Texas. She earned her Ph.D. in physics education at Texas A&M, College Station, Texas in 2014. Janie began teaching in 1973 in general science and biology. An AAPT member since 1994, Head has worked tirelessly in almost every capacity with the National Science Teachers Association, the American Association of Physics Teachers, the Physics Teaching Resource Agents, and numerous districts and universities to design research methods, develop and disseminate curriculum materials, plus provide training and workshops for in-service and pre-service teachers. Dedicated to learning, she was a participant in Physics Enhancement Programs, Modeling Tools workshops, Einstein Plus Academy for Teachers, an International Program at the Perimeter Institute in Canada, and many more. Along with all of her full-time education positions, she has been the Master Instructor at Texas A&M Mitchell Physics Institute summer program for many years

Head is highly regarded, with major contributions in leadership at the state level. She helps implement the physics strand for the Texas Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers at the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching. The physics sessions at meetings have become increasing popular and normally are at full capacity long before the start time. She has_written several grants incorporating physics concepts for teachers with multiple skill levels. This has provided more workshops to be presented increasing her ability to reach a greater number of teacher’s with updated ideas and materials. She has relentlessly pushed forward physics requirements, standard alignment, and teacher training which are all vital to the improvement and assessment of teaching science.

About the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT
Established in 1953 and renamed in recognition of AAPT founder Homer L. Dodge in 2012, the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT is presented to members in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the association at the national, sectional, or local level.

About AAPT
AAPT is an international organization for physics educators, physicists, and industrial scientists—with members worldwide. Dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching, AAPT provides awards, publications, and programs that encourage teaching practical application of physics principles, support continuing professional development, and reward excellence in physics education. AAPT was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in the American Center for Physics in College Park, Maryland.