APA/Clark University Workshop for High School Teachers
This professional development experience for high school teachers of psychology was held from 2005–2023
The APA/Clark University Workshop for High School Teachers, held 2005–2023, was a highly sought-after professional development experience for high school psychology teachers. The workshop provided attendees an opportunity to share peer-to-peer creative ideas and learn new concepts to further enhance teaching skills. Nearly 425 high school psychology teachers attended the APA/Clark Workshop over the 17 summers it was held at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. The workshop brought together 25 high school psychology teachers to:
- Learn from experienced teacher presenters
- Listen to faculty research presentations and keynote addresses
- Tour the Clark psychology laboratories and campus archives
- Network with one another
The July 2023 workshop was the last workshop to be held on the Clark campus. APA, the APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS), the American Psychological Foundation (APF), and Clark University were honored to have sponsored this workshop, with generous support from Lee Gurel, PhD. Inspired by the success and impact of this series, APA and APF will continue to plan and offer new opportunities for professional development designed to serve the needs of high school teachers of psychology across the country. We thank everyone who has participated in the APA/Clark Workshop since it started in 2005: participants, applicants, presenters, and others. The reach and impact of this workshop and Gurel’s generosity will continue for years to come.
The idea for the workshop grew out of the vision and generosity of Lee Gurel, PhD, a long-time APA member and Clark University alumnus. As mentioned on the Clark University website, Gurel “believes not only in the importance of education in helping students achieve their goals, but also in the influence and inspiration teachers can have on their students. Those convictions—combined with Gurel's belief that psychology has essential value in so many forms to offer humanity—are at the heart of the [workshop].”
Clark University is the birthplace of APA in 1892 and this workshop is one of many outstanding contributions Clark has made to psychology. More information about the psychology department is available on the Clark University psychology department websiteopens in new window.
Lee Gurel, PhD, (1926–2023) was the benefactor of this workshop. His generosity towards and support of high school psychology teachers has left a remarkable legacy. For more on Dr. Gurel and his legacy, please see:
- In Memoriam: Lee Gurel, PhD
- Lee Gurel, PhD, Awarded 2018 APA Presidential Citation
- A Tribute to Lee Gurel: A Re-Release of PsychSessions Episode 059
- Lee Gurel never forgot the life-changing impact of a good teacher (Clark University)
- Giving back to education (APA Monitor)
- Bolstering high school psychology (APA Monitor)