Implementing retrieval activities in my classes was one of the easiest high-return strategies I've engaged with. Student confidence increased and testing anxiety decreased. How can we require students to pull out what they know on a test if we never ask them to flex that memory muscle in class?

I've never been so happy that my school uses google classroom and some super archaic gradebook software as I am today 😆

AAPT has been a huge part of my development as an educator since I was a student teacher! So many of my best physics friends are AAPT members and I'm so grateful for this community!

Feedback may be one of the most critical components of teaching and should *definitely not* be limited to the autopsy of the test. My latest in the ABCs of Learning series: F is for Feedback. #ITeachPhysics

I just finished post 8 for the ABCs of How We Learn Physics series! That's 30% completion! E is for Elaboration went live today, look out for F is for Feedback tomorrow! #iTeachPhysics physicsteachermomma.com/2026/05/06/a...

Eduinfluencer at institute day made the claim that the avereage teacher can only name and describe 3 evidence-based strategies. We use evidence-based strategies every day, and it's only to our benefit to be able to speak about them like the brilliant professionals we are!

The whole #iTeachPhysics community, honestly. I got to connect with rockstars like @barnettdreyfuss.bsky.social @the-physics-well.net @cossettej.bsky.social @joemilliano.bsky.social @msaphysics.bsky.social @martastoeckel.bsky.social and so many more on Twitter and then got to connect IRL with AAPT.

Intentionally integrating deliberate practice is part of what spawned the idea for this series! Teaching with intention makes ALL the difference!

A new teacher got upset at the claim I heard about teachers not knowing their strategies. I firmly believe that when we can know and name it, we can practice it with TRUE intentionality. That’s why I’m on a mission to name what we do this month!

I recently heard that on avg most Ts can only name and describe three research-based strategies in their classroom. Challenge accepted. I'm going to write about how I used each of 26 strategies in my physics classroom. Here we go! A is for Analogy physicsteachermomma.com/2026/05/02/a...

Did a "skill blitz" today for review, focused on linearization/lab FRQ. I think it went well! 5 FRQs and strictly focused on what to graph and what the slope is. More on the blog: physicsteachermomma.com/2026/05/01/a... #ITeachPhysics

TODAY: NSF announced a Request for Information (RFI), inviting suggestions and innovations to inform a comprehensive review of its Excellence Awards in Science and Engineering (EASE). This includes PAEMST! Official Link: www.federalregister.gov/documents/20...

You can't... repeal... a scientific finding. At that point it's just called lying about it.

How do you support genuine learning using online platforms? I have STRONG feelings and paper is my best friend. Learn about the evolution of my paper companions for Pivot Interactives #ITeachPhysics physicsteachermomma.com/2026/02/07/p...

Teaching Students How to Learn: disguised as "how to score better" I was wonderfully inspired at AAPT winter meeting! I adapted the workshop for my AP students and students were really responsive. Now to see if it sticks over the next few weeks! #ITeachPhysics physicsteachermomma.com/2026/02/05/t...

We started waves today, and I LOVE this ripple tank simulator (activity included!) #ITeachPhysics physicsteachermomma.com/2026/02/03/w...

It's retraction day. Let these sit with you a minute.

Do you use physics classroom? I am ADAMANT about Ss writing things down. I started developing handouts to accompany some of the activities in physics classroom to get Ss thinking, and provide a way to support them with feedback. #ITeachPhysics physicsteachermomma.com/2026/02/01/w...

I tried a riff on an old trick and something new to get my students really thinking about their thinking while working through AP FRQs. It involves working the FRQ in rounds and a reflection follow up physicsteachermomma.com/2026/01/31/a... #IteachPhysics

Get $$$ To come to AAPT! Applications due Fri! The Barbara Wolff-Reichert award is for a FIRST TIMER 100% funded! The LIPTON FUND has been redesigned and is now for a RETURNING member & will cover expenses for 2 meetings in 2 consecutive years. More info: www.aapt.org/Programs/gra...

I’ve never hoped so hard in my alumni life for Harvard’s institutional ego to dominate decision-making www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...

This year a cohort of HS teachers were selected via application to attend PTRA Bootcamp. The goal of PTRA is for teachers to train other teachers to teach physics. This group was fully funded to attend the workshop and also received financial support to stay for the full AAPT meeting! #AAPTSM25

Getting my new space set up! #iTeachPhysics

🚨 #PAEMST, the nation's highest honor for STEM teachers, has been DEFUNDED in the new NSF budget. This award was est by Reagan in 1983. This award fuels classroom innovation, strengthens the STEM pipeline, and uplifts excellence in every community.

Teachers, choose your one liners carefully. Students remember them forever. What does your one liner say about you? Ones I remember from my teachers: "The answer's always one, it just depends which units you use" "The college board is the richest nonprofit in the US" "The answer is always enzymes"

If you’re a physics educator who uses the word “intuitive” to describe physics you are part of the problem in physics culture. Because if we are honest it’s not intuitive at all.

NSF put our names back up on the PAEMST website, but not our bios which are now under review. I am certain that the boxed part of bio is going to be erased. The government is literally erasing our stories.

Note making a la Building Thinking Classrooms + ISLE. This is the missing link that pulls together an active learning environment and collaborative white boarding with notes that actually mean something and a reason to dig into the textbook. Students receive these at the lesson’s end #iteachphysics

Since it’s that season and schools are under attack more than ever In just gonna throw out there that taxes are just following a bunch of monotonous rules and directions. I can guarantee 16 year old you wouldn’t have paid attention if it was an option in school.

I created three lesson plans on the fly for one class of students yesterday. It was a lot, but it was also really satisfying physicsteachermomma.com/2025/02/08/t...

What a great day. A math colleague who does Building Thinking Classrooms picked up my 8th hour today, so my lesson can actually run!

“I’m thinking of an animal that’s pink with four legs” “AXOLOTL!” “No” “Well I have no idea then” “PINK WITH FOUR LEGS!” “…..” “A pig. It’s a pig”

What is a legacy as a teacher? Where is the legacy? It's not in the school building or district. physicsteachermomma.com/2025/02/01/l...

Last year I made this shift for momentum. The time base come back around this year and I’m still excited and amazed how powerful this is for discussing conservation of momentum! #iTeachPhysics physicsteachermomma.com/2024/02/07/m...

Removing datasets because you disagree with the fundamental underpinnings of the research is unethical. Period.

Just for fun, I started putting my #python #physics material in book form. I'm not sure how far I will get, but here's chapter 1 if you want to take a look. drive.google.com/file/d/19WTd...

Everything going on since the 20th makes me frustrated and mad. I can't control what happens in DC, but I *will* continue doing the work. And so will so many of us. We cannot and will not let love and compassion and JOY crumble under fear, hate and racism. physicsteachermomma.com/2025/01/30/m...

AAPT Winter Meeting was so great! There are three simple phrases that make all the difference in building a professional community. #iTeachPhysics physicsteachermomma.com/2025/01/25/t...

New teacher me would never believe that now me loves to get up and do this!

Day 2 of #AAPTWM25: High School Physics Meeting.

@msruggerio.bsky.social presenting about note taking in her classrooms at #AAPTWM25

Back in my day you owned your movies and music and paid for them ONCE not once a month!

Excited to share that I have been awarded the 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching! This was a long and rigorous process that was also immensely gratifying! Thank you to @secaurphysics.bsky.social for nominating and all the support!

I just said hi to Emily Callandrelli at the airport!

Have you heard of how yellow 5 makes skin transparent? www.science.org/content/arti... 🎢

Ngl, literally the best part of break

Love this!

The other, other place is doing its thing unusually well this morning

There’s more to rainbows than the human eye can see: here’s how a rainbow extends into the infrared and ultraviolet. Photos: 1. Infrared 2. Visible (obviously) 3. Ultraviolet, and 4. A composite showing how UV is beyond the violet in a rainbow, and IR beyond the red end. 🧪 #photography

There’s been a shooting involving a 17 year old boy tonight, so now we wait to find out which high school he attends. There’s a strong chance it’s mine.