WHO WE ARE

Texas PhysTEC
Regional Network

Our community is passionate about improving the state of physics education in Texas. The Texas PhysTEC Regional Network is led by nationally-recognized experts in physics teacher preparation at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas State University, the University of Houston, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Our faculty leaders are affiliated with PhysTEC, the national organization dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of high school physics teachers.

Woman in a meeting
EXPLORE A TEACHING CAREER

Why Teach Physics?

When you teach physics, you encourage and support students as they pursue their goals. Share your passion while exercising your creativity and stimulating your mind as you explore the best teaching methods.

Better Quality
of Life

Science teachers report an overall job satisfaction higher than or equal to other STEM professionals. Inspire young minds during the school year and pursue your other passions during the summers.

Above Average
Salaries

Teachers typically earn comfortably middle-class salaries. They can earn extra money through coaching and running after school clubs. During the summer, participate in paid summer programs or take another job.

Better Retirement Benefits

Teachers are enrolled in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. Full retirement benefits begin at age 60. At which point, they earn a pension of 87% of their highest annual income.

Student Loan Forgiveness

Federal loan forgiveness reaches up to $17,500, and many scholarships are available for future teachers including the TEACH grants, Teach for Texas, and the Charles Butt Scholarship. They range from $2,500 to $10,000 per year.

Physics teacher showing something
UNIVERSITY-BASED TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Want to Become a
Physics Teacher?

YOUR FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS

Why Choose A University Program?

Become the best physics teacher you can be by learning from some of the best physics teacher educators in the country.

Be part of a community
of educators

Join a community of people who share your passion for teaching physics. Work with experienced teachers, fellow future teachers, and university faculty.

Benefit from long-term mentorship

Attending a university is about a lot more than going to classes. Develop close, long-lasting relationships with university and high school faculty mentors.

Receive a strong physics foundation

The best physics teachers know their physics at a deep level. Learn about how you can best share your knowledge with your future students.

WORDS FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Success Stories

David Williamson

Teacher, Bonham High School

“I went to school at Texas A&M University-Commerce. They had plenty of opportunities for me to do research, be a lab assistant and get closer to my professors.”

Emilio R. Hinojoso III

Teacher, Academy of Health Science Professions & STEM

“UTRGV helped to foster my love and passion for physics by giving me amazing opportunities to conduct research with professors and create lasting friendships with fellow like-minded students.”

Meghan DiBacco

Physics Team Lead, Cinco Ranch High School

“The teachHOUSTON program allowed me to get my feet wet and develop a research backed teaching style prior to stepping foot into my first teaching job.”

LEARN TO TEACH PHYSICS

Our Universities

Enroll in the highest quality teacher preparation programs from our top universities.

OUR COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT

Member Universities

Our network is led by Texas A&M University-Commerce, and our founding members are Texas State University, the University of Houston, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Other members include the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Austin, and Abilene Christian University. The physics teacher preparation programs at each of our universities are led by experts who use recognized best practices in preparing future teachers. Gain hands-on/minds-on experience, learn physics content and pedagogical content knowledge, and work towards your goals with a supportive community. Find a university near you or join an online program.

Texas State University

Learn More

Texas A&M University Commerce

A&M-Commerce

Learn More

University of Houston

Learn More

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

UT - Rio Grande Valley

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Become Part of A Community

Our network and its members host a variety of events ranging from professional development workshops for teachers to meetings to discuss best practices in physics teacher preparation.

Blogs & Articles