  Recent years have seen a growing interest in modernizing physics and science
curricula around the world. While many science educators and curriculum
developers design instructional resources to successfully introduce topics of
Einsteinian physics to young learners, it is clear that successful curriculum
development needs to rest on successful teacher professional
development.Teachers with or without science backgrounds were trained in short
professional learning workshops or completed micro-credential courses. The
courses enabled teachers to gain knowledge and confidence to deliver the
Einstein-First program. Detailed lesson plans and instructional videos for
teachers define the lessons. Questionnaires were used to collect data, and
teacher interviews were conducted following the various teacher training
programs. The research results show that teachers effectively deliver the
Einsteinian physics programs and that their subject matter and pedagogical
content knowledge increased. In addition, teacher attitudes were favorable
towards modernizing the physics curriculum. We conclude that it is feasible to
upskill teachers from diverse backgrounds in Einsteinian physics and break the
cycle that has inhibited the modernization of school curricula.
