What is the APTA Academy of Education?
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.
Strategic Goals:
- A. Professional Development - Expand contemporary professional development opportunities (instructional tools, conferences and workshops).
- B. Educational Partners - Develop collaborative educational opportunities with other entities (i.e. APTA, ACAPT, AOTA, etc.).
- C. Tech-Driven Resources - Utilize technology (including web-based applications and social media) to engage members and deliver resources that promote effective teaching, learning, and scholarship.
- D. Journal - Position JOPTE as the journal of choice for best practices in PT and PTA education.
- A. Research Support – Expand the community of educational researchers through initiatives such as GAMER, MERC, research grants, PODS, Adopt-a-Doc and arising opportunities.
- B. Publishing – Raise the quality of published manuscripts in JoPTE to make JoPTE the preeminent source for educational research in physical therapy.
- C. Promote Opportunities - Improve visibility of opportunities for educational research grants to increase the number of competitive applications.
- D. Funding Sources - Identify sustainable sources of new research funding.
- A. Champion - Champion the interests of the Academy and its members to APTA and other organizations.
- B. Partnership - Advance APTE's role within the Education Leadership Partnership, strengthening collaboration and communication to facilitate achievement of APTE's goals.
- C. Clinicians as Educators - Build a culture where clinicians identify themselves as patient/family educators.
- D. Representation - Identify and respond to key legislative and regulatory issues affecting physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education.
- A. Membership – Increase membership in the Academy and SIGs to reflect the diversity of the profession.
- B. Community – Promote inclusive relationships among members, partners, and stakeholders.
- C. Technology & Communication – Optimize communication among members utilizing contemporary technologies.
- D. Value – Promote the value of and return on investment for membership in APTE.
- E. Governance – Provide responsive, transparent governance and stewardship of resources.
- F. Management – Ensure effective and efficient organizational management.
Partner Program
Are You Ready to Be Connected?
The APTA Academy of Education (APTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is seeking to partner with educators outside the United States and other professionals within the US who do not qualify for APTA membership. With more than 3,000 current members, APTE is one of the largest specialty sections of APTA. APTE is committed to meeting the needs of all persons concerned with the progress, growth and development of education in physical therapy. Section members recognize that education in physical therapy is a multi-faceted process including didactic and clinical components which are implemented in a variety of learning environments. This makes the Interprofessional Partners Program of APTE the ideal choice for professional physical therapy educators.