Members of the PhET Translator Network are math and science educators familiar with PhET simulations 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 who support priority languages.

The PhET Translator Network follows a minimum 2-month cycle in which new members are inducted through technical training in the use of the translation utilitu, 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 located anywhere worldwide who have English fluency as well as fluency in any African language, and who have access to a computer and PhET’s website. Members of the PhET Translator Network should be experienced in teaching the math and science concepts present in the simulations.

What do members of the PhET Translator Network do?

Participate in a brief 2-hour training experience to learn how to translate text 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 potentially receive compensation and/or a certificate for your efforts.

Information Sessions

Optionally, review the session below to meet with the PhET Global team to get general guidance about the PhET Translator Network and the application process!

Date	Time
28th April 2023	(5PM GMT ) Recording \| Slides

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's strategic plan is to

Expand the number of translations beyond PhET’s existing translations. PhET is particularly interested in supporting translations for native languages in Africa, including—but not limited to–the following:

African Priority Languages (13)

Southern African Region

Malagasy
Shona
Tswana
Xhosa
Zulu

Western African Region

Bambara
Ewe
Wolof

Eastern African Region

Kikuyu
Kirundi
Lingala
Somali
Tigrinya

This program may also support other African languages for which translators express a need.

Provide design localization to ensure that visualizations are culturally-relevant. (For example, replacing the use of “sandwiches” in the Reactants, Products and Leftovers simulation with a more culturally-relevant analogy).

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)

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/or science (eg. physics, chemistry, biology, Earth Science, etc). 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 and/or science teacher and your language fluency.

Selection Process

PhET will select members of the PhET Translator Network by 26 May 2023, and the 2-month translation cycle will begin in April at a time convenient to all participants.

Applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt of their application materials from phet-global@colorado.edu within approximately 48 business hours.

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 member of the PhET Translator Network
Language Skills: Evidence of fluency in priority languages

Network Program Components

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

20 May 2023	26 May 2023	June 2023	July 2023
Applications due	Translators selected	Professional Learning	Network Activities

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, with a minimum commitment of 5 hours across 2 months)

Translations
Quality Assurance
Time Tracking
Reflections on Personal Translation Plan

Two monthly cohort check-in meetings (2 hour)
Periodic meetings with your PhET facilitator, as necessary (variable)

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.

20 May 2023	Application
26 May 2023	Selection
June 2023		Professional Learning (2 hours) Introduction to PhET simulations Translations Web translation tools Quality assurance Language considerations Culturally-relevant visualizations Design considerations Personal Translation Plan Monitoring
July 2023		Network Activities Translation work (5 hours minimum across cycle) Monthly gathering (1 hour) Reflection on Personal Translation Plan Cohort celebration Issue of certificates

Ongoing Opportunities

Members of the PhET Translator Network who successfully complete a two-month cycle are welcome to continue participating in network activities (if applicable). 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