Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has once again been recognized for its contributions to high school physics teacher preparation. For the seventh time in nine years, the university has been honored by the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) as a member of the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) 5+ Club. This recognition comes after Stony Brook graduated nine physics teachers during the 2022-2023 academic year.

The achievement was made possible through Stony Brook’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, which operates within the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physics and Astronomy. The program is administered by the Institute for STEM Education and the School of Professional Development.

“In this science and technology-driven modern society, early physics education is increasingly important. In recent years, the Department of Physics and Astronomy has been a national leader in producing well-qualified high school teachers through its MAT program, now directed by Professor Angela Kelly,” said Chang Kee Jung, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “We have received the 5+ Club recognition seven out of the past nine years, and in Academic Year 2022-23, we graduated nine new physics teachers, which is a historic record for our MAT program. As the chair of the department I challenge the program to become a member of the 10+ Club, which is yet to be established. We are very close to the Chair’s challenge goal and I am very proud of our MAT program.”

“The SBU Department of Physics has a long history of excellence in physics teacher preparation, which grew under the stewardship of Dr. Robert McCarthy for many years,” said Angela Kelly, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Institute for STEM Education and director of the MAT Program. “We plan on redoubling our recruitment efforts to reach the Chair’s goal of 10 physics teachers per year to serve secondary students on Long Island and beyond.”

According to APS and AAPT data, graduating more than five physics teachers in an academic year places Stony Brook University in the 99th percentile among U.S. colleges and universities. With a national shortage of qualified physics teachers, Stony Brook's MAT program plays a crucial role in addressing this gap. The program was also highlighted as an exemplary model in PhysTEC's 2018 study.