Applicants must use a Google-affiliated (gmail) e-mail address to access this application form.
Apply to the Spanish-language cohort here. | Postúlate para la cohorte en español aquí.

What does it mean to be a member of the PhET Translator Network?

PhET Translators are math and science educator volunteers who are committed to supporting access and impact of PhET simulations by:

supporting localization through language and culture
being part of a network that understands the nuance of verbal and nonverbal communication about math and science in different languages and contexts

While anyone may independently request to support PhET Translation (see For Translators), the PhET Translator Network provides focused support and recognition to translators.

The PhET Translator Network follows a 3-month cycle (15 September - 15 December, 2022) in which new members are inducted through technical training in the use of the translation website and then develop personal translation goals, complete translations, and pass through quality assurance with a peer. (PhET’s existing translators are welcome to apply to participate in these cycles to monitor their progress, share in community activities, and receive recognition, but they are not required to participate in the initial training).

Members of the PhET Translator Network are recognized for their contributions and have opportunities to receive a digital certificate verifying their hours, letters of recommendation (upon request), opportunities to connect with other translators from around the world through social community-building events, and the chance to be featured on PhET’s Global Initiatives page and the PhET newsletter.

Who is eligible to become a member of the PhET Translator Network?

Formal and informal math and science educators.
Reading fluency in English and at least one other language. *Note: PhET does not need English-Spanish translation. However, we welcome Spanish speakers who speak indigenous or other languages.
Access to a computer and PhET’s website.

What do members of the PhET Translator Network do?

Participate in a brief 2-hour training experience to learn how to translate text strings using PhET’s web-based translation tool
Provide original translations, translation review with at least one peer, and maintenance to existing translations (sims typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours, each, to translate)
Collaborate with simulation designers to more effectively display text and incorporate culturally-relevant visuals
Connect with other PhET translators to build a sense of camaraderie and community

Why should I become a member of the PhET Translator Network?

Professional growth: Contribute to expanding PhET simulation access and impact by contributing your leadership through translations.
Community: Connect with highly-motivated math and science teachers across your continent and the globe.
Influence: Improve the quality of math and science teaching and learning in your school, region, country, and the world.
Recognition: Be identified as an educational leader, and receive a certificate for your efforts.

Information Sessions

Join either of the optional sessions below to meet with the PhET Global team to get general guidance about the PhET Translator Network and the application process! Recordings will also be available within this document (after the events) for those who cannot attend live.

Date	Time	Registration
10 August 2022	1 PM GMT ← click to see your time	Register/Join Here

Application Guide

Congratulations on taking the first steps to become a member of the PhET Translator Network!

PhET simulations have already been used more than 1 billion times and the global community of users continues to grow. PhET's simulations for teaching math and science have been a critical tool for educators during the COVID-19 pandemic. In some countries, the use of PhET simulations has increased by more than 500% since the beginning of the pandemic, and PhET simulations are now used more than 250 million times a year.

PhET is working toward covering as many languages as possible. (At this time, PhET can only support languages on the two-letter ISO 639-1 list.) PhET is particularly interested in acquiring support for the translation of HTML5 simulations, Teacher Tips, and the website, including our new Virtual Workshops.

Components

The PhET Translator Network application aims to identify individuals who are experienced math and science educators and effective communicators in multiple languages.

Carefully read about each component that you will need to submit via the application form, as well as tips for improving the quality of your submission.

Free Response Questions

Why would you like to be a member of the PhET Translator Network? (500 characters max)
What languages do you speak fluently? (500 characters max)

How has your current professional role prepared you to be an effective member of the PhET Translator Network? (500 characters max)

Tips for Free Response Questions

Your answers to the free response questions help us get to know who you are. When appropriate, ensure that your responses are specific—for example, tell us about why PhET simulations matter to you and/or your students, and what level of fluency you have. Verbally illustrate your experience teaching math and science. If you have special skills or characteristics that help you to understand how to localize PhET sims for your context (both in terms of language and culturally-relevant visualizations), share that too!

Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume

Be sure to include the following in a DOCX or PDF document:

education background
teaching or industry experience
language skills

Tips for CV / Resume

Your CV or resume helps us understand the specifics of your professional role(s). This document can help you highlight your experience as a math or science teacher and your language fluency.

Selection Process

Applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt of their application materials from phet-global@colorado.edu within approximately 48 business hours, and notice of their selection status by September 5, 2022.

All eligible applicants will be evaluated according to the following indicators:

Candidate Profile (Essay Responses, CV/Resume)

Teacher Practice: Evidence of practice as a formal or informal STEM teacher or teacher educator with ongoing access to learners
STEM and Education Preparation: Evidence that professional role has prepared him/her to be an effective PhET Fellow
Language Skills: Evidence of fluency in languages of priority and need within PhET simulations

Network Program Components

The PhET Translator Network consists of programs that take place in a three-month cycle.

1 September 2022	5 September 2022	Mid-September	Mid-October	Mid-November	Mid- December
Applications due	Members selected	Sim Translation Training & Translation Plan	Teacher Tip Translation Training	Website Translation Training	Celebration and Recognition

Commitment and Expectations

Members of the PhET Translator Network may have different commitment levels depending upon your availability. At minimum, we ask you to participate in the following virtual activities:

Introductory translation and technology training session (2 hours)

Personal Translation Plan

Translation and review activities (variable)

Translations
Quality Assurance
Time Tracking
Reflections on Personal Translation Plan

Three monthly cohort check-in meetings (1 hour)
Periodic meetings with your PhET facilitator (1 hour per meeting)

The PhET Translator Network is not a full-time program; it should complement an applicant’s pre-existing full-time duties as an educator.

Applicant’s Commitments

PhET’s Commitments

Professional Learning

Participate in the initial training session, and receive and give support within the PhET Translator Network.

Network Activities

Carry out independent translation activities on your own time, collaborate with PhET facilitators and peers for review, and attend monthly network gatherings.

Professional Learning

Provide initial training sessions.

Network Activities

Provide access to an exclusive global network of science and/or math educators, provide facilitation of monthly network meetings and one-on-one support.

Educator Recognition

Provide validation of professional activities and public recognition for achievements.

Detailed Timeline

Hours for each activity are listed in parentheses. Synchronous hours are listed in bold.

Specific topics and activities are subject to change.

1 September 2022	Application
5 September 2022	Selection
Mid- September		Professional Learning (2 hours) Introduction to PhET simulations Translations Quality assurance Language considerations Translating HTML5 simulations Personal Translation Plan Monitoring
Mid-October		Network Activities (1 hour) Monthly gathering Translating Teacher Tips Reflection on Personal Translation Plan
Mid-November		Network Activities (1 hour) Monthly gathering Translating website Reflection on Personal Translation Plan
Mid-December		Cohort celebration (optional) Issue of certificates

Ongoing Opportunities

Members of the PhET Translator Network who successfully complete a three-month cycle are welcome to continue participating in future three-month cycles. Members may also receive the following supports:

Continued facilitation for additional localization activities (for PhET simulations and associated resources, including the website, teacher tips, lesson plans, etc.).
Public recognition of achievements and products (PhET webpage, newsletter, invitation to present on behalf of PhET at conferences and workshops).
Access to early versions of PhET prototypes.

Questions? Contact us at phet-global@colorado.edu