Palmetto Senior High Physics teacher Anita Joseph, known for her intuitive and hands-on approach to teaching, produced the highest passing rates in the State of Florida for her Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1 class last school year. While the national pass rate is around 24 percent, Ms. Joseph’s student pass rate was over 60 percent, a credit to her teaching.
“I bring humor into my lecture,” Ms. Joseph said. “I use stories about scientists and all types of experiments. I bring in real world applications and make the class fun. That’s what my students say.”
One of the most challenging Advanced Placement classes offered by The College Board, AP Physics 1 can earn a student four college credits at Florida State University and upwards of five at the University of Florida.
In addition, Ms. Joseph received accolades for having the highest passing rate among female students in the county. In a field where females receive only 20 percent of all Physics bachelor’s degrees, high rates of female achievement should be duly noted due to the underwhelming female presence.
“Our teacher is amazing,” senior Kenza Benhalima said. “She approaches physics in a very cool way. It’s very hands on and at the end of every lesson we have a lab. She’s really fun and enthusiastic. She makes learning fun and takes her job really seriously. People really love physics in her class.”
With an emphasis on critical thinking as well as real life application, Physics with Ms. Joseph, whether honors or AP, is an extremely beneficial class to take.
“I’m really happy, very much blessed to teach the very best, strong and motivated students,” Ms. Joseph said. “It makes me want to go the extra mile for them.”
Brian Morrison is a junior at Miami Palmetto Senior High School
