Physics Majors as Physics Teachers

Presented by Steve Turley, Brigham Young University

In the 2006-7 academic year the Physics Department at Brigham Young University produced 5% of the secondary school physics and physical science teachers in the United States. These students are often some of the brightest and most highly motivated students in our department. I will discuss the departmental culture, infrastructure, and faculty characteristics that have led our department from fairly average production to its current high levels. This will include how we make these majors feel like a valued part of the department, our relationships with the Education Department on campus, our relationships with local schools, what attracts students to physics education, retention of students in the teaching program, integrating of our physics education and other departmental activities, and our outstanding administrative support.