Goal: STEP UP Advocates will be teachers of physics implementing STEP UP materials (two lessons and the Everyday Actions Guide) in their classrooms to inspire young women to pursue physics. Selected teachers will join a cohort of nearly 200 teachers from three specific regions (Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City), and STEP UP will support them as they learn best equity practices. These teachers will be on the front lines of shifting gender equity in physics and will provide critical feedback to STEP UP about the lessons and the impact in their classrooms.
Eligibility: The teachers that STEP UP accepts will preferably teach at least two sections of high school physics (2023-24 academic year) of any level.* STEP UP will accept up to 60 teachers from each region, and each will earn a $750 stipend. STEP UP will refer to selected teachers as Advocates and will train them on the STEP UP lessons at their annual regional STEP UP Summit in Summer 2023-26.
**Application window for the 2023-24 school year is closed. Check back in Feb 2024 for the next application session!
*See FAQ below for further questions on eligibility.
Advocates earn their stipend by:
- Attending a one-day training on the STEP UP curriculum
- Implementing the Careers in Physics and Women in Physics lessons in the classrooms at some point during the school year
- Using the Everyday Actions Guide throughout the school year to build an equitable classroom
- Completing pre and post surveys about their experience as a STEP UP Advocate and in implementing the lessons
- Providing an IRS W-9 form and a direct deposit form to APS in order to receive a one-time stipend at the end of the term
Advocate Program FAQs:
1. Is the Advocate position the same as the Ambassador position from past years?
- No, in the past we've had our Ambassadors focus on training other teachers, but the Advocates are going to focus on direct student inspiration by delivering the STEP UP lessons in physics classes. Advocates are welcome, and encouraged, to share the STEP UP curriculum with other physics teachers, but it is not a requirement.
3. Can I apply if I'm retired / taking a leave of absence / not in a high school classroom?
- No, the Advocates earning stipends will implement the STEP UP curriculum in a classroom during the 2023-24 school year. Our support is limited to current teachers that can work directly with their students throughout the year.
4. When is the summit?
5. If I can't attend the STEP UP Summit, can I still apply?
- Yes, but please email Ambassador Program Coordinator Bree Barnett Dreyfuss (breebarnettdreyfuss@gmail.com) as soon as you are accepted to coordinate the make-up options.
6. Do I have to be registered with STEP UP to apply?
- No, but you will have to register once you're selected, so feel free to do so now and join the online community discussion! (Sign up is here, and is a two-part process, so make sure you get all the way to "save" on the STEP UP form.)
7. Should I have implemented the STEP UP lessons before?
- No, we're excited to welcome folks who know about STEP UP but haven't done the lessons yet!
- Also, if you have delivered the STEP UP lessons, you are still welcome to join us!
8. I don’t know my teaching schedule for the 2023-24 school year. Can I still apply?
- Yes, just be sure you expect to teach at least two physics-related classes, including “physics first” and AP courses. Email Ambassador Program Coordinator Bree (breebarnettdreyfuss@gmail.com) with additional questions.
9. I have a question about the survey. Who should I contact?
- Email Ambassador Program Coordinator Bree (breebarnettdreyfuss@gmail.com).
10. I might be changing schools for the 2023-24 school year, but will remain in one of the regions of focus. Can I still apply?
- Yes, you can answer the questions in the application that address your current school or your best approximation of your future school.