It Takes a Village to Raise a Physics Teacher

It takes a village of educators to help raise a refugee child living in a disadvantaged and low socio- economic community into the 2020 National PhysTEC Teacher of the year. Please join me as I take you on my journey in becoming a Physics teacher, who champions for advancement and diversity in Physics education. I will share key strategies used by Fresno State Physics Department, Project MOST (Minority Opportunity in Science Teaching), and the Credential Program that nurtured my growth from a pre-service teacher into a mentor and master teacher. I will unveil strategies used to establish, expand, and increase diversity in the Physics program at Duncan Polytechnical High School. I will model the use of culture and diversity to connect with students and minimize the “phear of Physics.” I hope my story will inspire participants to build their own village of educators who advocate for diversity and advancement in Physics education.