The U.S. faces a critical shortage of qualified physics and physical science teachers. Two-thirds of new physics teachers lack a physics degree, and over 90% of middle school physical science students are taught by teachers without a physical science major or certification. In order to address the crisis in physics and physical science education, the American Physical Society (APS), the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), and the American Institute of Physics (AIP) have developed the PhysTEC project. 

The mission of PhysTEC is to improve and promote the education of future physics and physical science teachers.  Specifically, the project aims to

• Demonstrate success in and provide models for
  
  • Increasing the number of highly qualified high school physics teachers;
  • Improving the quality of K-8 physical science teacher education;
• Transform physics departments to re-engage in the preparation of physics teachers;
• Spread best practice ideas throughout the teacher preparation community.

PhysTEC recognizes areas of especially high need for physics and physical science teachers. These include nationwide shortages of women and minority teachers, as well as severe shortages of teachers in certain geographic areas. The project hopes to address these needs through targeted outreach, financial support, and program development.