The IOP’s Physics Teacher Educator programme supports leaders of teacher education and professional development for teachers of physics. The aim of the programme is to ensure that all physics teacher education (including initial teacher education and continuing professional development and learning) is led by physics teacher educators meeting the highest standards, is evidence-based and inclusive. The IOP wants to build a thriving, diverse physics community and play their part in solving the STEM skills shortage by ensuring that all people, no matter their background or where they live, have access to world-class physics education and training. We know that physics teacher educators play a key role in making this happen across all education settings.
This research study explores the programme with the aim of helping the IOP in its ongoing development. Working with the IOP’s programme leads and participants in the programme, the study investigates:
- IOP colleagues' and participants' intentions for the programme
- Participants' engagement in the programme, including enablers and barriers to participation and learning
- Changes in participants' knowledge, confidence, understanding and practice relating to physics teacher education and professional development
- Areas of the programme which are working well, and which could be improved
