Student Recruitment for Physics Teaching in Smaller Universities

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a small, private research university located in Worcester, Massachusetts, which fosters a project-based learning approach, primarily serves students that are intending to become scientists and engineers. The Physics Department has teamed with the Director of Teacher Preparation within the STEM Education Center to champion teaching as a career path for our students. We have utilized a variety of positive recruitment approaches that include but are not limited to: Get the Facts Out materials to eliminate misconceptions surrounding the K-12 teaching profession, leveraging the newly created "Career Corner" within a new high-traffic building on campus, mailing an information sheet directly to student homes, and speaking to introductory physics courses and labs. Interest in physics teaching has been piqued, which is demonstrated by an increased number of new aspirant-teachers entering the Teacher Preparation Program. Supports have been established, such as a space within the physics department that is allocated to students in the Teacher Preparation Program, an education-themed club, and an annual ceremony that initiates students into the Teacher Preparation Program. In this workshop participants will explore avenues of recruitment within their own institution, share successful strategies for recruitment and retention, and discuss engaging ways to build a thriving community for physics teachers.