Patrick Callahan 2013 Election Bio

Patrick T. Callahan

2013 National Executive Board Election Candidate for At-Large High School Representative

Patrick T. Callahan

Retired from Delaware Valley Regional High School, Frenchtown, NJ
ptcallahan@aol.com

Education

B.S. Ed. Physics-Math, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M.Ed. Secondary Education (Science), Lehigh University

Teaching Experience 

  • Delaware Valley Regional High School, Frenchtown, NJ (2000-2013) AP Physics, Honors Physics, 9th Grade Physical Science
  • Catasauqua High School, Catasauqua, PA (1975-2000) Physics, Energy in a Modern Society, 9th Grade Physical Science, Active Physics


National AAPT Activities

  • Excellence in Pre-College Physics Teaching Award 2005
  • AAPT Distinguished Service Citation 2003
  • Active as a Physics Teaching Resource Agent (PTRA) since 1992
  • Chair of PTRA Oversight Committee (2012-present)
  • Chair of PTRA Advisory Committee (2011-12)
  • Member of PTRA Advisory Committee
  • Area Committee on Physics in High Schools
    - chair 2008-09
    - member 1996-1999 and 2006-09
  • Area Committee on Physics in Pre-High School Education 2003-2006
  • Chair of subcommittee to prepare document on “The Role, Education, Qualifications and Professional Development of Secondary Physics Teachers” 2009
  • Co-Author of PTRA Resource Materials “Homemade Physics Equipment (Make and Take)” and “Electromagnetic Spectrum: Window to the Universe”
  • Present teacher workshops regionally for PTRA program for High School, Middle School and Elementary Teachers in PA, NJ, NY, OH, VA, MD
  • Regional Coordinator for Philadelphia PTRA Urban Initiative
  • Leader for PTRA Rural Centers in Central Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania


AAPT Section Activities

  • Member of Central PA, Southeastern PA and New Jersey Sections
  • Southeastern PA Section Rep 1994-97
  • President 1999-2000
  • Vice President 1998-1999
  • Member at Large 1990-93 and 2000-2009
  • Awarded Distinguished Service Citation by Central PA Section 2001
  • Workshop leader for Central PA Section since 1992 – section has hosted two workshops per year
  • Organizing Committee for 1994 and 1999 Northeast Regional AAPT meetings in Philadelphia
  • Program chair for 2000 joint meeting of Southeastern PA and Central PA sections of AAPT at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA


Other Professional Activities

  • New Jersey State Finalist for Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching 2009
  • Project Director and workshop coordinator for Professional Development grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb/Rider University Program for Enhancement of Science Teaching 2008-09
  • Member of Delaware Valley Regional HS Secondary School Redesign team 2008-09
  • Hunterdon County (NJ) Teacher of the Year 2007
  • Delaware Valley Regional HS Teacher of the Year 2007
  • Project Director for New Jersey Statewide Systemic Initiative Standards Implementation Grant 2001-2002
  • Active Physics Field Test Teacher (1995-96 and 2005-06)
  • professional development leader for Active Physics program
  • Planning and development committee for Dorney Park “Coaster Quest” Physics/Math events- wrote portions of activity guides as part of team organized through Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
  • Tandy Technology Teacher Award 1997
  • Participant in NSF funded grant for Physics Courseware Evaluation Project at NC State 1991-92
    - Mechanical Universe High School Adaptation workshop leader training 1990-91
    - National Leadership Institute in Physics at Rutgers University 1989 - Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Master Teacher Program at Princeton 1988
    - Project ExCEL computer interfacing institute at Indiana University of PA 1987
    -  Integrated Math and Science Team Project at Lehigh University 1995-96
  • Member of National Science Teachers Association


Commentary

The AAPT has established itself as the national voice for Physics education, as such we must continue to reach out and provide assistance for teachers at every level responsible for teaching Physics concepts.  With the pending adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards by many states, it is our responsibility to provide high quality professional development opportunities for teachers at all levels to successfully implement these standards.  Throughout my teaching career I have valued my AAPT membership.  AAPT, and my PTRA involvement, has allowed me the opportunity to share ideas with many talented, generous and wonderful teachers.  I would like to continue to encourage AAPT members at every level to remain involved by offering expertise to other teachers of Physics and their students.