About Us
Mission | Vision | Goals | SIGS | Leadership
The APTA Academy of Education, one of the oldest sections of the American Physical Therapy Association, is committed to advancing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and physical therapy students in their roles as educators in academic, clinical and community settings. The APTA Academy of Education supports excellence in physical therapy education and education research to better meeting the needs of patients, families and communities through strategic communication among our members and across professional communities, through continuing professional development and enhanced education research, and through collaborative action within our Association.
The APTA Academy of Education is dedicated to the development of each new generation of physical therapy practitioners, a dynamic cadre of academic educators, and a store of knowledge useful to consumers for enhancing their own musculoskeletal health.
Mission
Advance physical therapists and physical therapist assistants as educators
Vision
The premier resource for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant educators
Academy Goals: 2022-2024
- Pathways – Creating pathways to inspire emerging educators.
- Advancing – Developing professionals through contemporary educational opportunities using innovative and accessible methods.
- Sharing - Disseminate best practices and resources to physical therapy educators.
- Partnerships - Create and strengthen interactive partnerships among education stakeholders.
- Members - Increase member involvement in the Academy to promote a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Representation - Ensure strategic representation of the Academy in every relevant forum
- Research Agenda – Prioritize research based on the gaps in evidence to support best practices in teaching and learning in physical therapy education.
- Collaboration – Support the development and collaboration of education researchers.
- Strengthen – Strengthen education research initiatives.
- Members - Engage members to contribute to achieving the vision of the Academy.
- Communications – Maintain a strong Academy presence through branding, clear messaging, publications, and visibility.
- Leadership and Management – Maintain excellence in governance and management with a dedicated team and pipeline of future leaders.
- Resources – Supplement revenue streams to advance the mission and serve the membership.
Special Interest Groups (SIGS)
Members of the Academy participate in six areas of focused interest. Each special interest group (SIG) has its own governance, activities, and annual programming. The SIGs are each supported in part by funds from the APTA Academy of Education. SIG membership is included in Academy annual dues. Please visit the SIGS page for more information.
- Academic Faculty
- Anatomy Educators
- Clinical Education
- Interprofessional Education and Practice
- Physical Therapist Assistant Educators
- Residency/Fellowship Education
- Scholarship of Education
Executive Committee
The APTA Academy of Education is governed by an elected board of directors, all of whom are available to discuss issues affecting the Association and the physical therapy profession. The Academy President is responsible for governing and directing all section activities. The Academy Delegate participates in the House of Delegates, which is the highest decision-making body of the Association, and makes decisions on issues that frequently have far-reaching implications for the Association and the profession.
- Members - Engage members to contribute to achieving the vision of the Academy.
- Communications – Maintain a strong Academy presence through branding, clear messaging, publications, and visibility.
- Leadership and Management – Maintain excellence in governance and management with a dedicated team and pipeline of future leaders.
- Resources – Supplement revenue streams to advance the mission and serve the membership.
