Pat Callahan Election Bio

Patrick T. Callahan

Patrick T. CallahanDelaware Valley Regional High School, Frenchtown, NJ; ptcallahan@aol.com

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

Professional Experience
Delaware Valley Regional High School (Physics and Physical Science – 2000-present), Workshop Leader for Physics Teaching Resource Agent Program of AAPT (1992-present), Catasauqua High School, Catasauqua, PA (Physics and Physical Science – 1975-2000)

Memberships
AAPT, Central Pennsylvania Section AAPT, Southeastern Pennsylvania Section AAPT, New Jersey Section AAPT, NSTA, Delaware Valley Regional Education Association, New Jersey Educational Association, National Education Association

Honors
AAPT Award for Excellence in Pre-College Physics Teaching (2005); Hunterdon County (NJ) Teacher of the Year (2007); AAPT Distinguished Service Citation (2003); New Jersey State Finalist for Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (2009); AAPT Central Pennsylvania Section Distinguished Service Award (2001); Tandy Technology Teacher Award (1997)

AAPT Activities
Member of High School Committee (1996-99, 2006-2008, Chair 2008); Member of Pre-High School Committee (2003-2005); Chair of committee to write AAPT document “Role, Qualifications and Professional Development of Secondary Physics Teachers”; High School Photo Contest Advisory Committee; planning committee to develop High School Video Analysis Contest; Physics Teaching Resource Agent (PTRA) Advisory Committee;  Regional coordinator for the Philadelphia Urban PTRA center; Lead PTRA for Central PA Rural center; workshop leader for Rural PTRA center at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford;  presented many workshops for the PTRA national leadership training sessions as well as local workshops throughout the US; co-author of PTRA resource materials Homemade Physics Equipment (Make and Take) and Electromagnetic Spectrum, Window to the Universe; served in a variety of offices for Southeastern PA section including President, Vice President, Section Representative (1994-97) and Member at Large.

Other Activities
Active Physics Workshop Leader; Planning and Development Team for “Coaster Quest” Physics/Math Day at Dorney Park; Physics Courseware Evaluation Project (North Carolina State); National Leadership Institute in Physics (Rutgers University); Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Foundation Master Teacher; Integrated Math and Science Team Project (Lehigh University); Mechanical Universe High School Adaptation Certified Trainer

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.  The AAPT needs to be included in the development of standards and guidelines related to our discipline.  Our national meetings allow a forum for face-to-face sharing of ideas.  Increasing member participation at national meetings in difficult financial times is key to the success of the organization.  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.