New Award for Outstanding Canadian Physics Teachers

Click here to download the poster.

During National Science and Technology Week 2009, the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) announced a new award to recognize the outstanding efforts of Canada's physics teachers at the secondary school level. The CAP Award for Excellence in Teaching High School / CEGEP Physics is intended to recognize excellence in teaching physics in Canadian high schools and CEGEPs and to further encourage and promote physics at this level in Canada.

Furthering its commitment to the promotion of science and research, TRIUMF joined the effort as a national sponsor of this new award. "The future of Canada rests with our students in today's classrooms, for the country will rely on them to carry us forward," remarked Nigel Lockyer, Director of TRIUMF, in a recent CAP press release. "TRIUMF's goal is to enhance students' interest in the physical sciences and support those who retain that interest via their teachers. This award recognizes those special teachers who have inspired their students with their enthusiasm and love of physics, and we are delighted to join the CAP and the other sponsors in offering this award to Canada's most dynamic educators."

Other national sponsors include the CAP, Merlan Scientific, Perimeter Institute, Nelson Education, and Vernier. The award is sponsored at the regional level by the British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC).

The awards will be presented annually in five regions across Canada: British Columbia/Yukon, Prairies/Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec/Nunavut, and Atlantic Canada. The awards aim to recognize outstanding physics teachers who demonstrate a commitment to motivating their students and to developing innovative teaching methods, who mentor both students and new physics teachers, and who encourage science-related extra-curricular activities, such as science fairs, physics contests, and public outreach activities.

Recipients of this new award will receive an educational grant that can either be used to support professional development for the teacher, or to purchase computer software, equipment, or books for their classrooms.

Nominations for this new award recognizing the efforts of innovative physics teachers in Canada are now open and will close January 15, 2010.

Click here for full award and nomination details.

-- Meghan Magee, Communications Assistant

Based on CAP Press Release "Canadian Physics Organizations Launch New Award for Excellent Secondary School Teachers Nationwide."