This joint effort at improving teacher preparation is facilitated by three of the most prominent national physics societies, the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), American Institute of Physics (AIP), and American Physical Society (APS). Working together, the project recognizes three themes essential to providing excellent teacher preparation: Bridges, Engagement, and Continuum. "Bridges" symbolizes the need to involve the various groups (physics faculty, education faculty, and practicing teachers) in common goals of preparing teachers, and to recognize each of their individual and unique contributions. "Engagement" indicates the importance of department-level reform to change attitudes and practices necessary to address problems in producing more better-prepared teachers. "Continuum" recognizes the broad spectrum of efforts necessary to bring about effective change. The project has two main thrusts, the PhysTEC institutions, and the national Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PTEC).