Physics First: Preparing Your Teachers to Teach Physics to All Students

Karen Jo Matsler, Ed.D.Presenter: Karen Jo Matsler, Ed.D.
Workshop Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Registration time: 8:30 am
Registration fees:
One day sessions - $175, $150 for Texas ASCD members
Two day sessions - $349, $299 for Texas ASCD members

Please contact our office at 512.477.8200 to schedule this institute at your location.

Summary:
  • Are your teachers prepared to teach Physics to all students?
  • Is your district considering teaching Physics in the 9th Grade? 
  • Do you have a conceptual understanding of Physics concepts?
  • Do you need help with the new TEKS?

At this workshop, participants will be actively engaged in activities designed to address student misconceptions as identified by physics research.  In addition, teachers will:
  • Develop deeper conceptual understanding of physics concepts.
  • Practice in the appropriate use of technology (TEKS 2).
  • Practice in ways to modify classroom activities to be more inquiry based (TEKS 2).
  • Develop performance-based assessments, project-based activities emphasizing real world applications (TEKS 3).
  • Engage in collaborative discussions pertaining to best practices and assessing student performance.

Karen Jo Matsler was nationally recognized by the physics community for her distinguished service to physics education in 2008 by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).  Dr. Matsler has been in education for over 25 years as a classroom teacher (grades 7-12 for 20 years), science coordinator (4 years), university adjunct faculty in science and education (9 years), and a program evaluator for nationally funded projects (10 years).  Currently she is serving on the American Institute of Physics National Advisory Committee on Physics Education and is on the AAPT/PTRA National Advisory Board.  In addition, she has served her peers through state elected positions including: President of the Texas Science Education Leadership Association (2008-09), Secretary of the Science Teacher Association of Texas (2009-10), and President of the Texas Section AAPT (2010-2011). Dr. Matsler’s involvement helps her stay updated on educational legislation, reform, and education research which allows teachers the benefit of knowing that they are receiving the latest information on best classroom practices.

Karen Jo understands the challenges of the science classroom as well as administration and state mandates. With a MS degree in Biology and a Composite Certification, she mistakenly thought she would teach biology the rest of her life.  Instead, one week before her first job, she was told she would be teaching IPC and physics.  The challenges of being a cross-over teacher were a blessing in disguise giving her the insight, experience, and background to help teachers overcome their fear, intimidation, and misconceptions of physics concepts.  She has worked with thousands of teachers across the nation and shares her extensive knowledge of pedagogy, technology, and content in a way that is non-threatening, exciting, and engaging to students as well as teachers.  Her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction enables administrators to be assured that teachers attending the training will have a deeper understanding of how their role fits in to “the big picture”.

Who Should Attend: Secondary Classroom teachers and administrators

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Academies and Institutes - Science

Texas ASCD

1601 Rio Grande, Ste. 451
Austin, Texas 78701

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Tel: (512) 477-8200
Fax: (512) 477-8215
Toll-free: 800-717-2723

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