Robert L. LiptonRobert L. Lipton Memorial Fund

This fund is intended to help physics teachers new to teaching high school physics whether they recently graduated with teaching credentials, crossed over from another subject area, or changed careers. Apply to receive funding to two AAPT National Meetings.

Robert L. Lipton, known as Bob, served as Assistant Director of High School Science Programs for the New York City Public Schools from 1960 –1975, covering approximately 100 high schools. In this role he supervised numerous teams of teachers developing science curriculum projects. He coordinated the citywide Science Fairs for high school students, and developed guidelines for participants. He often accompanied local Science Fair winners as they competed on state and national levels.

Prior to assuming this citywide position, he was a teacher of physics at Far Rockaway High School; he also taught at Cooper Union, New York University, and Brooklyn College. He wrote numerous articles, and co-authored the book, "100 Famous Scientists." He was an advisor to the Physics Club, Chess Club, and Arista, the student honor society.

He enjoyed teaching high school and college physics students and relied on a carefully planned questioning technique to help students learn to solve problems and apply the scientific method. He was a demanding teacher who expected a high degree of student involvement, but who was also kind, encouraging and persuasive. He enjoyed all of the sciences, but teaching physics was his favorite.

Bob served as President of the New York City Physics Teachers Association. During his tenure as president, he invited numerous famous scientists to address their well-attended meetings. He taught many in-service courses for beginning physics teachers, and encouraged them to join professional organizations in order to keep their knowledge up-to-date.

Awardees will receive
  • Reimbursement up to $1,400 for travel, lodging and registration for two national meetings in consecutive years
  • Mentor at meetings
  • Participation in virtual PLC
Awardees will be required to
  • Serve on a community
  • Present at at least one of the two national meetings
Awardees will be
  • K-12 teacher with less than 10 years of teaching experience
  • A member of AAPT
  • Evidence of leadership potential or experience

Submit an Application: The deadline for receipt of applications each year is August 15.