APA Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools - TOPSS

02/04/2021

APA Summit on High School Psychology Education

Have you seen these AMAZING resources that were developed for you and your colleagues? We have resources on psych as science, skills, assessment, certification, professional development, and technology -- a new resource is coming out SOON on diversity, and a BRAND NEW lesson plan should be out this month too! Please take a peek; TOPSS has other resources here too: http://on.apa.org/topss-resources

The goal of the summit is to promote the value, delivery, assessment and reach of psychological science through the teaching of high school psychology.

02/02/2021

Teacher spotlight on Linda Woolf, PhD

Did you read this PTN spotlight on Linda Woolf, who was a TOPSS faculty representative from 2017-2019? "As a teacher of psychology, I want [students] to learn how to think critically and evaluate evidence. They probably will not remember five years down the road how the action potential works in neural transmission. However, I hope they will be able to critically evaluate claims made about various treatments for depression and separate science from pseudoscience. In addition, I want all of my students to learn about human rights, social justice, and how they can make a positive contribution through their lives. Each individual is important and we have a responsibility to not only care for each other but also strive to be kind in our daily interactions"

Joe Swope, PhD interviewed Linda Woolf, PhD regarding her 2020 APF Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award.

02/01/2021

The Cummings Center’s Psychology Film Club is returning for the Spring 2021 semester

The Cummings Center’s Psychology Film Club is returning this semester, exploring depictions of psychology, psychiatry, and mental health in pop culture and gathering a panel of experts from the field to discuss popular films. This spring they will be discussing Get Out (2017) on February 18 and Mad to Be Normal (2017) on April 22, both at 7 p.m. ET. These free events are largely directed at psychology educators and undergraduate or graduate students.

The psychology film club explores depictions of psychology, psychiatry, and mental health in pop culture, gathering a panel of experts from the field to discuss popular films.

01/29/2021

With many in-person workshops cancelled for a second year, the TOPSS Committee has been discussing new options to help meet your professional development needs.

In addition to short virtual conversations and other resources offered throughout the year, would you be interested in a 1-2 day (4-6 hours total) virtual workshop this summer on teaching psychology?

01/27/2021

Practicing Resilience

Do your students know how to practice resilience? Here is an easy activity you can do with your students. For more lessons and activities on skills for teachers and students, see https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/topss/teaching-resources.

This lesson is designed to help students increase emotional well-being in the face of events that can lead to physical and emotional upset.

01/26/2021

Do your students know they are learning valuable skills in psychology that can help them in any career they have in the future? These were written for undergraduate students but are relevant to high school students too! For more, see https://on.apa.org/2T0K7No

01/19/2021

Critical thinking and information fluency: Fake news in the classroom

Do your students know how to spot fake news? Here's a tool and activity you can use in class!

Opportunities for teaching scientific and information literacy.

01/15/2021

High School Psychology: Better Understand Your World

If you are getting ready to start a new semester, or if you are thinking about recruiting students for your class, we hope you'll use this 5-minute video on the value of high school psychology!! For more, see http://on.apa.org/highschool

Psychology -- the scientific study of mind and behavior -- is all around us. Discover how taking a psychology course in high school can teach you how to be a...

01/07/2021

TOPSS Classroom Activities

Have you found an activity in our new online database to use in class? We posted all 100+ activities from the TOPSS unit lesson plans to this searchable database last year, and we included lab exercises too from a 2018 STP ebook (https://teachpsych.org/ebooks/promotingpsychscience)! We hope you'll use this to find activities you can use in class. We want to hear from you about how this could be more helpful - let us know what you think!

Activities and lesson plans for teachers, including two-day lesson plans from recent past winners of the APA TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching Awards.

01/05/2021

APA TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching Awards

The call for nominations for the 2021 APA TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching Awards is open! Please nominate a colleague you think should be recognized, or nominate yourself! The deadline is February 16. Also, don't forget that the last few years we have posted 2-day lesson plans from our award winning teachers online here: https://on.apa.org/2PLMWOt

This award recognizes outstanding psychology teachers committed to academic and professional excellence, a passion for teaching, and positively impacting student learning. There will be up to three annual awards.

01/04/2021

Integrating Technology in the Classroom

Happy new year TOPSS members and friends! We hope you had a great holiday break and were able to get some rest to close out 2020. As you return to the classroom, these technology tools might be helpful! The TOPSS Canvas course is also available: https://on.apa.org/3aSTggf

Will using this tool add to student learning and engagement? Is this tool reasonable, practical and relatively easy to use? Will this tool help students achieve the learning outcomes of the course? Do all students have access to this tool?

12/14/2020

Do’s and don’ts in teaching psychology

The latest PTN was published on Friday and included this great article on do's and don'ts in teaching psychology! For the full PTN issue, see https://on.apa.org/2ZNLHFj.

Items to consider as you navigate the do’s and don'ts of teaching psychology.

12/10/2020

TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students

Just announced! The 2021 TOPSS essay contest asks students to write an essay about resilience in relation to stress or trauma (we are looking at you, 2020). Up to four students will win $250 scholarships for their winning essays. The deadline is March 8, 2021. Please encourage your student to consider entering the competition; no more than 5 students per school can enter. Details are online.

The APA Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) holds an annual APA TOPSS Competition for High School Psychology Students.

12/09/2020

Congrats to our three newly elected TOPSS Committee members! Dana Melone of Kennedy High School (Cedar Rapids, IA), was elected chair-elect, and Natasha Alston of Mountain Pointe High School (Phoenix, AZ), and Julie Gowans of Payson High School, (Payson, UT) were elected as members-at-large. Congratulations, Dana, Natasha, and Julie!

12/08/2020

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Tea with TOPSS and Dr. Sandy Shullman. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

We hope you can join us TONIGHT, 12/8, at 7:00 PM ET, for our last Tea with TOPSS event of the year with APA President Sandy Shullman, PhD.
The conversation will begin with a discussion on applied psychology, followed by time for questions and answers. We hope you can join us. These events are for TOPSS members; you can join TOPSS through our website.

TOPSS members are invited to join the APA TOPSS Committee for an hour-long conversation with Sandy Shullman, PhD, 2020 APA President. The conversation will begin with a discussion on applied psychology and then TOPSS members will have the opportunity to ask questions. Members are encouraged to submi...

12/02/2020

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Tea with TOPSS and Dr. Sandy Shullman. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Register now! We hope you can join us next Tuesday, December 8, at 7:00 PM eastern, for the final Tea with TOPSS event of the year with Dr. Sandy Shullman, the 2020 APA President. The conversation will begin with a discussion on applied psychology, followed by time for questions and answers. These events are for TOPSS members; you can join TOPSS through our website. We hope you'll join us!

TOPSS members are invited to join the APA TOPSS Committee for an hour-long conversation with Sandy Shullman, PhD, 2020 APA President. The conversation will begin with a discussion on applied psychology and then TOPSS members will have the opportunity to ask questions. Members are encouraged to submi...

12/02/2020

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Tea with TOPSS and Dr. Sandy Shullman. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

We hope you can join us next Tuesday, December 8, at 7:00 PM eastern for a Tea with TOPSS and APA President Sandy Shullman, PhD! The conversation will begin with a discussion on applied psychology and APA's interest in broadening the public's understanding of psychology, followed by time for questions and answers. TOPSS members can submit questions for Dr. Shullman through the registration form, and questions can be asked during the live event as well. We will tape the conversation for anyone who cannot join us. We hope you'll register.

TOPSS members are invited to join the APA TOPSS Committee for an hour-long conversation with Sandy Shullman, PhD, 2020 APA President. The conversation will begin with a discussion on applied psychology and then TOPSS members will have the opportunity to ask questions. Members are encouraged to submi...

11/26/2020

We are thankful today and every day of the year for you and your hard work teaching the best class there is to your students. Thank you for being part of the TOPSS community.

11/25/2020

Thoughts on teaching and teachers of high school psychology

We share this every year to remind you of Dr. Lee Gurel's message of thanks and gratitude to high school psychology teachers. "I will start by telling you I could not believe any more strongly than I do in the importance of education in general and of psychology in particular. I see them as having so much to offer our society."

Lee Gurel, PhD, discusses his passion for psychology and admiration for the APA/APF Clark University Workshop for High School Teachers.

11/19/2020

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Tea with TOPSS and Dr. Sandy Shullman. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

UPDATE: here is the link to register: https://on.apa.org/35IMTwa

We are holding one more Tea with TOPSS conversation, and this one with the current APA President! We hope you can join us on Tuesday, December 8, at 7:00 PM ET, for a conversation with Dr. Sandy Shullman. Register now for this talk! The tea will begin with a discussion on applied psychology and APA's interest in broadening the public's understanding of psychology, followed by time for questions and answers. We will tape the conversation for anyone who cannot join us. These events are for TOPSS members; any interested teacher can join TOPSS through www.apa.org/ed/topss. We hope you can join us.

TOPSS members are invited to join the APA TOPSS Committee for an hour-long conversation with Sandy Shullman, PhD, 2020 APA President. The conversation will begin with a discussion on applied psychology and then TOPSS members will have the opportunity to ask questions. Members are encouraged to submi...

11/17/2020

Teaching Resources From APA and TOPSS

All TOPSS unit lesson plans have been open to all teachers since the spring -- and we have new and revised lesson plans that will be out in spring 2021 (including a new one on Cognition!). Other available resources include:

Lessons on skills: https://on.apa.org/2KJ9rSB
Activities database: https://on.apa.org/2TZVEw1
2-day lesson plans from Charlie award winners: https://on.apa.org/2PLMWOt
Other resources here: http://on.apa.org/topss-resources

A collection of resources for teachers of introductory psychology, including curriculum and classroom tools, publications, funding opportunities and activities for your students.

11/11/2020

2020 TOPSS Committee Call for Nominations

The TOPSS Committee elections close tomorrow night, November 12, at midnight EDT! All current TOPSS members should have received a ballot to vote for a new chair-elect and two new members-at-large. Contact [email protected] if you did not receive a ballot or have questions.

Learn more about being involved with the APA Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS).

11/10/2020

PsychSessions: Conversations about Teaching N' Stuff: E105: Arthur Evans Jr.: Master Translator of Psychological Science, International Leader, Skills Advocate

The latest PsychSessions podcast features an interview with APA CEO Dr. Arthur C. Evans, Jr! The interview covers social justice missions, the complexity and work of APA, Dr. Evans' previous work in the Philadelphia mental health system, his personal origin story, skills, and more. Enjoy!

In this episode Garth interviews Arthur Evans Jr., the CEO of the American Psychological Association in Washington, DC. Arthur describes his acronymic onboarding to APA and the learning curve. They discuss social justice missions, current political outcomes, and how psychological science when framed...

11/09/2020

Practicing Gratitude via a Gratitude Journal

This lesson on gratitude could work well this month for Thanksgiving!

This lesson is designed to help students understand the psychological science that supports this wellness practice and to provide them with an opportunity to perform the skill.

11/05/2020

Positive Student-Teacher Relationships Benefit Students’ Long-Term Health, Study Finds

New research indicates that teens who have good, supportive relationships with their teachers enjoy better health as adults!

Teens who have good, supportive relationships with their teachers enjoy better health as adults.

10/30/2020

Learning in Pandemic Times

Have you watched this video of Dr. Stephen Chew talking about the basic principles of how people learn and the "choke points and pitfalls" students encounter when trying to study and learn? Great advice and recommendations!

In this video, I explain the basic principles of how people learn. I point out the choke points and pitfalls that students must negotiate for effective study...

10/28/2020

Managing attention and distractibility in online learning

How do you know if your students are paying attention and engaged with online work? How can you engage your students with online learning? Here are research-backed answers to questions regarding attention and distractibility in the virtual classroom.

See: https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/managing-attention-distractibility-online-learning

Research-backed answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding attention and distractibility in the virtual classroom.

10/27/2020

Society for the Teaching of Psychology - STP Excellence in Teaching

The Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP; Division 2 of APA) has announced its 2021 program of awards for outstanding teachers of psychology. Teaching awards of $1500 and a plaque will be bestowed for outstanding performance in each of six categories, including the Mary Margaret Moffett Memorial Teaching Excellence Award for high school teachers. STP encourages applications from colleagues who are from underrepresented groups and have diverse backgrounds and experiences. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2021. For more information on specific criteria, what materials to submit, and guidelines for electronic submission, visit the STP website.

Application CriteriaMaterials to be SubmittedInstructions for submitting these materialsList of Past Award Recipients: 1980-present

10/21/2020

register.gotowebinar.com

Did you sign up for a complimentary PsycNet database access through TOPSS? TOPSS members are invited to join us tonight, 10/21, at 7:30 PM eastern, for a short webinar to review the content and search tools found in APA PsycArticles and learn tips and strategies to find articles or book chapters to share in class, guide students through their research projects, and keep yourself current in the field. Sign up for the webinar below! We still have complimentary database packages to give away! TOPSS members have received the sign up form over email, and we'll be sending the application form out again to members soon. Comment below or email us at ([email protected]) if you have questions. This opportunity has been made possible thanks to support from the APF David and Carol Myers Fund to Support Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools.

10/09/2020

Teaching Psychology: Where Can I Find Help?

Are you new to teaching HS psychology? Or a veteran teacher looking for new information? One of the terrific groups from the 2017 high school summit put together this list of frequently asked questions and other needs that arise while preparing to teach a course in psychology.

This resource provides the novice or veteran psychology teacher with a quick reference for needs and questions that arise while preparing to teach a course in psychology.