AAPT: American Association of Physics Teachers
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT is a professional membership association of scientists dedicated to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching.
AAPT 2022 Strategic Plan
A future where the understanding of physics, driven by a vibrant, diverse, and empowered community of educators, researchers, and learners, increasingly benefits the world.
Books from AIP Publishing and AAPT
Visit pubs.aip.org to purchase co-published titles at 25% off digital versions. For $30 black-and-white print copies choose myBook.
Join The U.S. Physics Team
Represent the United States at the International Physics Olympiad Competition with other high school students.
Get Started
AAPT® Audience
Learn, grow, and succeed with AAPT
AAPT® Programs
Awards, projects, contests, and opportunities
Latest AAPT News
Upcoming Events
AAPT Member Spotlight
Meet William (Toby)
I am very fortunate to have a lifelong experience with Physics. I was born in 1946, and my father, William J. Dittrich, was a grad student in physics and took a teaching position at Western Washington University. He joined the AAPT in 1949 (together, there has been a William Dittrich in AAPT for 76 years). I grew up in his lab while in the WWU Campus school, watching his demonstration of a Tesla coil behind the hall door, powering a light bulb on the hall table. I was inspired at Bellingham High in math by my calculus class teacher. I studied physics at WWU, including taking a course in General Relativity, which later proved useful, and in 1968, I entered graduate school at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and became a candidate for the PhD.
Read more![]() |