AAPT Chief Academic Officer Awarded a 2007 AAAS Fellow

The American Association of Physics Teachers announced today that Warren W. Hein, PhD, Chief Academic Officer for AAPT, has been awarded the distinction of a 2007 Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This esteemed honor is bestowed upon Dr. Hein by his peers for his outstanding contributions to K-16 education, for sustained and exemplary leadership in the physics education community, and for national advocacy of professional development for all teachers.Regarding the 2007 AAAS Fellow, Dr. Hein stated, “I am pleased to be recognized by AAAS for my efforts on behalf of physics education and my work with the physics education community. I truly believe that members of our physics education community are at the leading edge of efforts to improve science teaching k-16.” Dr. Hein is currently on leave from AAPT working as a Program Officer at the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The work of Dr. Hein has enabled a number of important projects and initiatives that have helped markedly advance physics teaching and learning at various levels. His contributions exemplify our ideal of excellence and commitment to physics education,” stated Toufic Hakim, AAPT Executive Officer.

Bernard V. Khoury, AAPT Executive Officer Emeritus, said, “Dr. Hein has been a leader in the physics education community. His talents include a wonderful combination of pedagogical knowledge and administrative skills, and he has used these to serve teachers and students at all school levels.”

AAAS has awarded the distinction of Fellow to 471of its members this year. These individuals have been elevated to this rank because of their efforts toward advancing science applications that are deemed scientifically or socially distinguished. New Fellows will be presented with an official certificate and a gold and (or) blue (representing science and engineering, respectively) rosette pin on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at the Fellows Forum during the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting in Boston.

The tradition of AAAS Fellows began in 1874. Currently, members can be considered for the rank of Fellow if nominated by the Steering Group of their respective sections (which are noted on the Fellows list), by three Fellows, or by the association’s Chief Executive Officer. Each Steering Group then reviews the nominations of individuals within its respective section and forwards a final list to the AAAS Council.

The AAAS Council votes on the final aggregate list. The Council is the policymaking body of the Association, chaired by the President, and consisting of the members of the Board of Directors, the retiring section Chairs, delegates from each electorate and each regional division, and two delegates from the National Academy of Science.

About AAPT

AAPT is the leading organization for physics educators—with more than 12,000 members worldwide. Our mission is to advance the greater good through physics teaching. We provide our members with many opportunities for professional development, communication, and student enrichment. We serve the larger community through a variety of programs and publications. AAPT was founded in 1930 and is headquartered in the American Center for Physics in College Park, Maryland.

For More InformationContact Robert Merz, Marketing Managermedia@aapt.org1-301-209-33071-301-209-0845 (Fax)