The Department of Physics at UCSC graduates a few students each year interested in teaching physics. This is important to encourage, considering the severe shortage of K?12 physics teachers in California. We developed a physics education major to better serve such students and it started in the 2009?2010 academic year.  Students will take courses in physics and in education, working closely with faculty in both disciplines.  PTEC membership, including opportunities to attend relevant workshops and conferences, will provide our instructors, who already have a strong interest in improving undergraduate teaching techniques, opportunities to learn best practices for training students in this new major.