Bree Barnett Dreyfuss 2025 Zitzewitz Award

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) has announced that the 2025 Paul Zitzewitz Excellence in K-12 Physics Teaching Award winner is Bree Barnett Dreyfuss, Science teacher at Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, CA.

This award is in recognition of her exceptional work in diversifying physics and making classrooms more inclusive and accessible to all students, her empowerment of girls and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in physics, her enrichment of the AAPT community with her expertise and passion for inclusive teaching, and her significant contributions to the STEP UP Physics project.

Regarding her selection for this award Barnett Dreyfuss said, "I was very surprised but pleased to receive this recognition. Throughout my career I have had friends and mentors in the physics community that helped me feel welcome and included so I’ve tried to make the most of opportunities to help everyone enjoy physics as much as I have."

Barnett Dreyfuss’s B.S. in Physics is from California State University, Hayward. She earned her M.A. in Teacher Leadership at Saint Mary’s College of California. A former Mentor and Coach to new teachers in the Exploratorium's Teacher Institute, she strongly believes that the physics education community is stronger through reflection and collaboration.

A member of AAPT since 2009, Barnett Dreyfuss has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to diversifying physics and making classrooms more inclusive and accessible to all students. Barnett Dreyfuss currently serves as the President of the Northern California/ Nevada section of AAPT, previously serving as the Secretary and the VP of Marketing. Her work, particularly as Ambassador Program Coordinator with the STEP UP project, has been pivotal in advancing equity in physics education, empowering girls and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in physics. As a long-standing member of AAPT, she has taken on numerous leadership roles within the community, enriching every group she’s part of through her expertise and passion for inclusive teaching.

About the Award
Established as the Excellence in Pre-College Teaching Award in 1993 then renamed and endowed in 2010 by Paul W. and Barbara S. Zitzewitz, the Paul W. Zitzewitz Award for Excellence in K-12 Physics Teaching recognizes outstanding achievement in teaching pre-college physics.

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 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.

Contact

More News

News Home