Excellence in Physics Education Award
To recognize a team, collaboration, or an exceptional individual who has exhibited a sustained commitment to excellence in physics education. The award, presented annually, consists of a $5,000 stipend, a certificate citing the achievements of the individual or team, and an allowance for travel expenses of up to $2,000 to the APS April Meeting where the award is presented. The stipend is split equally among members of teams selected to receive the Award. The APS Forum on Education may consult with the nominator to determine which members will represent the team with invited talks at the April Meeting and receive travel reimbursements.
Rules and eligibility
A commitment to excellence in physics education may be evidenced by, but is not restricted to, such accomplishments as:
- The development of instructional materials, curriculum, or pedagogy that has had a major ongoing influence on physics education beyond a single institution.
- Sustained excellence in the preparation and/or professional development of secondary school science teachers.
- Long-lasting professional service related to physics education that has had a demonstrated positive impact beyond a single institution.
- Development of a national network that has had a demonstrated positive impact on physics education.
- The development of a model program for educational outreach that has had demonstrated success and has been emulated beyond a single institution.
Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.
Process and selection
The nomination must include:
- A letter of not more than 5,000 characters evaluating the qualifications of the nominee(s).
In addition, the nomination should include:
- A CV or biographical sketch of an individual nominee or, for a team, a description of the team composition and the expertise each member brings to the team.
- A list of the most important publications or educational products.
- At least two, but not more than four, seconding letters.
- Up to five reprints, preprints, or other educational products.
Selection Committee
- Gay Stewart (Chair)
- Lawrence Woolf (Past Chair)
- Kasey Wagoner
- Charles Henderson
- Eddie Red
- Neal Abraham
- Juan Manfredi
- James Napolitano
- Erin Hansen
- Daniel Claes (Chair, Forum on Education)
- Susan Blessing (Past Chair, Forum on Education)
- Geraldine Cochran (Chair-Elect, Forum on Education)
- Michael Wittmann
Establishment and support
This award was established in 2006 and endowed with support from the Richard Lounsbery Foundation, Vernier Software, WebAssign, Physics Academic Software, PASCO Scientific, General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation and numerous individual contributions.
Recent recipients
Damian Pope
2024 recipient
For developing outstanding educational resources that are distributed free to physics teachers in 130 countries, for fostering an international peer-to-peer teacher training network, and for delivering inclusive and inspiring educational programs to students around the world.
Dave Fish
2024 recipient
For developing outstanding educational resources that are distributed free to physics teachers in 130 countries, for fostering an international peer-to-peer teacher training network, and for delivering inclusive and inspiring educational programs to students around the world.
Emma Nichols
2024 recipient
For developing outstanding educational resources that are distributed free to physics teachers in 130 countries, for fostering an international peer-to-peer teacher training network, and for delivering inclusive and inspiring educational programs to students around the world.
Greg Dick
2024 recipient
For developing outstanding educational resources that are distributed free to physics teachers in 130 countries, for fostering an international peer-to-peer teacher training network, and for delivering inclusive and inspiring educational programs to students around the world.
Kelly Foyle
2024 recipient
For developing outstanding educational resources that are distributed free to physics teachers in 130 countries, for fostering an international peer-to-peer teacher training network, and for delivering inclusive and inspiring educational programs to students around the world.
The membership of APS is diverse and global, and the nominees and recipients of APS Honors should reflect that diversity so that all are recognized for their impact on our community. Nominations of members belonging to groups traditionally underrepresented in physics, such as women, LGBT+ scientists, scientists who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), disabled scientists, scientists from institutions with limited resources, and scientists from outside the United States, are especially encouraged.
Nominees for and holders of APS Honors (prizes, awards, and fellowship) and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS Ethics Guidelines. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.