eNNOUNCER October 2017

AAPT continues to follow the ongoing recovery efforts from the recent hurricanes and earthquakes. As always, our thoughts are with those impacted by these events. We also extend our offer to provide any support possible, and encourage you to contact us directly if we can be of assistance.

AAPT News

2017 AAPT Board of Directors Election

The election of officers for the AAPT Board of Directors will begin in September. Members will receive instructions through email or, if no email is on file, through the mail to help you vote electronically. Be sure your email address and membership are current so you can participate. Learn more about the candidates. Read more.

AAPT's new e-Commerce and Membership Portal

AAPT has launched a new e-Commerce/Membership portal. We would like to use this opportunity to remind everyone that usernames have been switched to primary email addresses and passwords are now case-sensitive. We also encourage users to visit their "MY Account" page to change their password after the initial logon. Read more.

2018 Winter Meeting

Abstract Submissions
Post-deadline abstracts are being accepted for the 2018 AAPT Winter Meeting until November 8. All post-deadline abstracts (oral/posters) will be scheduled on Tuesday, January 9 in the last session of the day. Please click here to submit your abstract.

Hotel Reservations
The Town and Country San Diego is now accepting reservations for the 2018 AAPT Winter Meeting. Please click here for more information.

WM18 Registration Rates
Are you preparing your 2018 budget? Registration rates are now available online for the 2018 AAPT Winter Meeting. Please click here to view rates.

AAPT Child and Dependent Care Grants
AAPT has small grants available for those looking to attend the Winter Meeting in San Diego, but would like help with the extra cost of childcare, eldercare or care for an adult child with disabilities. Please click here for more information and an application form.

AAPT members and others receiving bogus messages is increasing

Please be aware that incidents of AAPT members and others receiving bogus messages is increasing. Recently, the AAPT Executive Office was informed by several individuals that they received a bogus message from a current Board of Directors member. This message was not sent by or on behalf of AAPT. If you received a copy of this message or any other suspicious message do not open it or click on links within. If the message looks like it originates from AAPT but does not have an aapt.org email address, then delete it immediately. However, if you have already opened the email and/or clicked on a link within a suspicious message consider taking the following actions as a precaution:
1. Change your email account password.
2. Run a malware and/or anti-virus scan on your computer.
3. Consider changing the passwords of your other online accounts, especially those connected to financial institutions.
4. Report the threat potential to your contacts and the IT department at your institution.
As always, please feel free to contact us at headquarters ( eo@aapt.org, 301.209.3333) if you have any questions.

eAlliances: Uniting Isolated Women Physicists and Astronomers

Everyone needs mentors, but how do you find other women physicists who understand your experience-- as the only Hispanic in the department, the only PER researcher, the only full-time physicist at your TYC, the only one who brings a newborn in a sling to department meetings? Join eAlliances, an NSF-sponsored faculty development project for women physics faculty, and become part of a peer-mentoring alliance with other women who share many of your same experiences.

Why me?

• Connect with other women physicists and astronomers
• Get and give advice and affirmation
• Gather a variety of insights to help you address professional issues
• Address work-life balance issues
• Receive encouragement and support in achieving your goals

This is professional development for your career stage: whether you are teaching your first or hundredth section of intro physics; mentoring your first or hundredth research associate, or leading your first or hundredth committee meeting. Someone else has a similar experience and can share insights, frustrations, and successes.

To join: Register at eAlliances.aapt.org

AAPT Seeks Volunteer to Direct the U.S. Physics Team

AAPT seeks a volunteer to apply for director of AAPT's high school US Physics Team. The U.S. Physics Team Academic Director position provides general oversight of the U.S. competition including recruiting and training team coaches, preparing and grading exams, training of the U.S. Physics Team during training camp, and traveling with the Team to the International Physics Olympiad. We anticipate that the individual selected will serve as co-director during the 2017-18 year and transition to director in Fall 2018. Click here for more information.

AAPT Career Center Offers FREE Postings

The AAPT Career Center offers FREE 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 jobs.aapt.org to get started.

PTRA News

Fall is upon us and the PTRA’s are fast getting in contact with their colleagues in their respective states. Click here to read more.

AAPT Programs

U.S. Physics Team Coach Call

AAPT is seeking faculty to join the staff for the 2018 U.S. Physics Team. Learn about the qualifications and how to apply by clicking here.

2018 F=ma Contest Open

AAPT and the American Institute of Physics (AIP) sponsor a competition for high school students to represent the United States at the 2018 International Physics Olympiad. 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. The selection process begins with the F-ma exam. Online registration is now open.

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 December 1.

New Faculty Workshop

The Physics and Astronomy New Faculty Workshop will be held November 2-5 in College Park, MD. The workshop introduces the faculty members to effective and easy-to-implement interactive engagement teaching methods as well as other to grant-writing best practices and plans for preparing for tenure and promotion decisions. Some financial support is available for faculty members at minority-serving institutions and at small departments with severe financial constraints.

AAPT Membership

AAPT Member Spotlight

Eric Ayars
California State University, Chico
Chico, California
Read more

Applications Now Being Accepted for Jossem Fund Grants

Applications are currently being accepted for the E. Leonard Jossem Fund. The E. Leonard (Len) Jossem International Education Fund provides grants to individuals in support of international programs dealing with teaching and learning of physics. The fund will be available for two different categories:

• Collaborations between U.S. and developing countries. Funding should facilitate interactions and exchanges of ideas between U.S. physics educators and/or students and those in developing countries.

• International meetings and conferences focused on physics education. Meetings and conferences should involve direct contact between physics educators and furnish the interactions that stimulate new ideas and lasting collaborations. Students and faculty with limited resources can apply for funding to attend international meetings and conferences.

The Jossem Fund invites applications from physics educators who are AAPT members at any academic stage or rank. Only AAPT members may apply. Awards will range from $200 to $2,000. Applications must be received by late spring or early summer (deadline is the same as the Special Projects Fund) for consideration during the 2018 fiscal year. Applications will be reviewed by the Special Projects and Philanthropy Committee. Click here for more information

Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers

AAPT offers scholarships for future high school physics teachers. These scholarships, supported by an endowment funded by Barbara Lotze, are available only to U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools. Undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula and high school seniors entering such programs are eligible. Successful applicants receive a stipend of up to $2,000. The scholarship may be granted to an individual for each of four years. December 1 deadline. Read more

Call for Award Nominations

The AAPT Awards Committee invites nominations for all of AAPT awards, citations, and medals. We are particularly interested in nominations for AAPT Fellows and for the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT.

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 jobs.aapt.org to get posting!

Concerned about the Future of Science?

Stay informed with FYI: Science Policy News from AIP. Your membership with AAPT makes it possible for AIP to provide accurate, objective, and comprehensive updates on science policy and funding.

FYI has been a trusted source of science policy news for more than two decades. Readers learn about legislative and executive branch policy developments, agency appointments, and funding important to the physical sciences community. By staying informed about policy developments, we can better shape the future of science. Sign up for free at: aip.org/fyi

In the News

AIP Publishing Looking for Educators to Interview for Study on Teaching Needs

AIP Publishing, part of the American Institute of Physics, has commissioned a study on teaching needs, and are looking for physics educators who would be willing to contribute to the research. The study aims to assess the teaching pain points that physics educators at higher education institutions face, both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, they are looking to understand the landscape of teaching resources available to educators, and how those resources might come up short. They would like to speak with educators in a variety of roles and experiences, including those in more administrative roles.The study would involve a one-hour phone interview conducted during regular business hours over the next 3 weeks. In appreciation of your time, you will receive a $75 Amazon gift card following the interview. If you are interested in participating, please fill out a 3-minute survey .

Save the Date: PET Workshop

February 8, 2018 - Join this full day Physics of Everyday Thinking (PET) workshop designed for prospective or practicing elementary teachers. Application and travel grant information will be posted on the PhysTEC website in the coming months. Learn more

Save the Date: PhysTEC 2018 Conference

February 9 - 10, 2018 - The Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) Conference is the nation's largest meeting dedicated to the education of future physics teachers. It features workshops on best practices, panel discussions by national leaders, and excellent networking opportunities for physics teacher educators. Registration will open in November. Learn more

Save the Date: Building a Thriving Undergraduate Physics Program

February 10 - 11, 2018 - Learn how to develop strategies for increasing enrollment of physics majors in your department. Institutions are invited to send teams of 2-4 faculty members to analyze their current departmental situation and decide how to take actions that will help them sustainably achieve their goals. Learn more

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 IN-STATE tuition; the deadline is APRIL 1.
Click here for details
Click here for more information

Virginia Beach physics teacher named TCC's top professor

Jumping on pogo sticks or rolling bowling balls down the hall might land students in trouble with some teachers, but these activities have a place in David Wright’s science classes. Because of innovative teaching methods, Wright, who teaches physics at Tidewater Community College, has been recognized as the Faculty Senate Outstanding Professor for the 2016-2017 academic year. “I had no idea that I was even being considered,” Wright said. “There are a lot of great faculty members at TCC, so it’s quite an honor to be recognized.” Read more

APS NMC Bringing Emergency Aid to Mentees

The APS National Mentoring Community (NMC) will now offer funds to NMC Mentees who are facing financial emergencies. The NMC Bringing Emergency Aid to Mentees (BEAM) fund will provide up to $1,500 to NMC Mentees who find themselves facing an economic hardship that could prevent them from continuing their physics studies and earning their degree. For more information about fund eligibility and details, visit the NMC BEAM website.

Help students find the right grad program. Tell them about GradSchoolShopper.com

Advise your students to check out GradSchoolShopper.com, the most complete directory of graduate programs in the physical sciences. Students headed for graduate school can use this free service to search by degree programs, admission deadlines, research specialties, faculty profiles, GRE requirements, and more! If your program isn’t listed, contact us to find out how to have it included.

Highly Trained STEM Teachers Needed to Boost America's Global Competitiveness, According to New Study

The United States' global competitiveness is at risk as the nation confronts persistent shortages of STEM teachers. More than half of all high school physics teachers lacked certification in the discipline in 2012, for example. As a result, students who are interested in STEM careers find themselves ill prepared to compete in an increasingly highly technical workforce.

A new study by the American Physical Society, in collaboration with the American Chemical Society, Computing Research Association, and Mathematics Teacher Education Partnership, addresses the reasons why STEM students shy away from teaching as a career and offers ways to counter the trend. Download the full report at www.aps.org/policy/reports.

Workshop on Women and Minorities in the History of Physics, Role Models for Today

Dr. Greg Good, Director of the Center for the History of Physics, is eager to provide workshops at AAPT Section Meetings and elsewhere on Women and Minorities in the History of Physics. Teachers will be introduced to the teaching materials on the AIP website related to the history of women and minorities in the physical sciences. The purpose of these materials is to help students appreciate that not only white males have contributed to the development of physics, astronomy, and other physical sciences. On the flip side, there have been many more women than Marie Curie and many more African Americans than Benjamin Banneker and Jim Gates who have had successful careers in the physical sciences. We will explore several of the lesson plans in each group and explore games and other activities to bring these lessons to life. For more information, please contact Dr. Greg Good.

American Modeling Teachers Association

Modeling Instruction was developed for high school physics teachers and has since expanded to physical science, chemistry, biology, and middle school. Each year, Modeling workshops are held at universities and high schools across the United States. Last year, more than 70 Modeling workshops were offered to high school and middle school teachers in more than 20 states.

For information on 2017 Modeling Workshops, please visit the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA) website: modelinginstruction.org For questions: wendy@modelinginstruction.org or gheheman@asu.edu

Promoting National Academy of Sciences Resources during Bullying Prevention Month

To observe Bullying Prevention Month, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has several free resources that we’d like to share with as many people as possible.

Our publication, Preventing Bullying Through Science, Policy, and Practice, is free to read or download for personal use. Recognizing that bullying behavior is a major public health problem that demands the concerted and coordinated time and attention of parents, educators and school administrators, health care providers, policy makers, families, and others concerned with the care of children, this report evaluates the state of the science on biological and psychosocial consequences of peer victimization and the risk and protective factors that either increase or decrease peer victimization behavior and consequences.

Physics Careers

Jobs Announcements from the Career Center

Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship
Click here for job description

Renewable Term Assistant Professor - Physics Education
University of Oklahoma - Norman
Click here for job description

More Physics Resources

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:

Section News

Please submit your Section Report for the AAPT Section News. To list your section meeting in the AAPT Calendar of Events, e-mail the information to mhall@aapt.org. See the December 2016 Section News. See July 2017 Section News next month.

Section Meetings

Southern Atlantic Coast Section
Oct 6, 2017 - Oct 7, 2017
Fall Meeting (submit online) & Abstract submission open
South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Hartsville, SC
Email: Larry Engelhardt  Phone: 843.601.5626

Southern Ohio Section
Oct 13, 2017 - Oct 14, 2017
Fall Meeting & Joint meeting with Ohio APS. AAPT-specific events on 10/14
Miami University
Oxford, OH
Email: Jennifer Blue  

Western Pennsylvania Section
Oct 14, 2017 - Oct 14, 2017
Fall Meeting
Clarion University
Clarion, PA
Email: Dyan Jones  

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