George A. Amann Becomes AAPT President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

College Park, Maryland, United States, February 21, 2017—The American Association of Physics Teachers announced today that George A. Amann has assumed the role of AAPT President. Amann, retired physics teacher from Hyde Park Central Schools, Hyde Park, NY, will serve as President in 2017, and Past President in 2018.

Educated at Long Island University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Physics Education, and Hofstra University with an MA in Education, Amann enriched the understanding of physics for thousands of Hyde Park students throughout his career as a physics educator.

Amann's extensive service to the association includes New York State Section Executive Board, 1990-2002 (Vice President, 1993-96; President, 1996–98; Secretary/Treasurer 1999-2002), member of the AAPT Physics in the High Schools Committee (1992 -95), member of the AAPT Committee on Science Education for the General Public (1996-98), AAPT/Physics Teacher Resource Agent (PTRA) 1992–present, New York City Coordinator for Urban PTRA 1997-2002, Co-director Rural PTRA 2003–2011. His service on the AAPT Executive Board includes President Elect (2015) and Vice President (2016).

He is the recipient of the Association of Parents and Friends, Salutatorian Award–CW Post College, Science Teachers Association New York State (STANYS) "Outstanding Science Teacher" for the Southeast Section (1982), STANYS Director at Large for Physics (1994 –2000), the Tandy Technology Award (1991), New York finalist Presidential Award (1993 and 1996), the New York State Section of AAPT Service Award (1999), AAPT Distinguished Service Award (2005), and he was co-recipient of the 2010 APS Excellence in Physics Education Award.

Amann says of his service, "From my first New York State section meeting in the early 80's, I realized what a tremendous opportunity AAPT provides for teachers. Working with mentors like John Fitzgibbons and Joe Drenchko inspired me to become more involved at the section level and later on at the national through PTRA. There Larry Badar and Jim Nelson encouraged me to become even more so. As president, I hope to convince physics educators at all levels that AAPT is the premier resource for improving physics teaching. I look forward to the chance to repay the association for all the wonderful things it has given me to make me a better teacher." 

About AAPT

The AAPT is the premier national organization and authority on physics and physical science education with members worldwide. Our mission is to advance the greater good through physics education. We provide our members with many opportunities for professional development, communication, and student enrichment. We serve the larger community through a variety of programs and publications. AAPT was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in the American Center for Physics in College Park, Maryland.

For more information: Contact David Wolfe, Director of Communications, dwolfe@aapt.org, (301) 209-3322, (301) 209-0845 (Fax)