High school psychology

Information and resources to help support high school psychology teachers and students.

News and announcements

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Engaging Psychology’s Future

Apply for $300 to hold a careers event for your students
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Webinars: AI and Education

New six-session APA webinar series on translating learning science into practice
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TOPSS College Faculty Representative

Call for nominations now open through September 22
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TOPSS Committee election candidates

Voting begins September 9, and closes on October 8, 2026

APA Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS)

 

TOPSS is the voice of high school psychology teachers within APA. We promote excellence in the teaching of psychological science at the high school level.

Become a TOPSS member

All high school psychology teachers are invited to join the TOPSS community. Learn about the many benefits that come with TOPSS membership.

Join TOPSS

New to teaching high school psychology? Start here

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Resource manual for new high school psychology teachers

Information and helpful suggestions for new teachers from experienced teachers
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Do’s and don’ts in teaching psychology

Recommendations for teaching sensitive, challenging, and even controversial topics
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Teaching psychology: Where can I find help?

Quick reference for needs and questions that arise while preparing to teach a course

Curricular resources

National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula

Standards that outline learning targets for the high school psychology course

Top resources for high school teachers

Resources selected by high school psychology teachers, for high school psychology teachers

Resource vetting rubric (PDF, 80KB) opens in new window

Assures quality control for classroom resources, including demonstrations, activities, and presentations

Unit lesson plans

2–7 day units that include a content outline, suggested resources, activities, and references

Sample academic calendars

Pacing calendars created for teachers by teachers that reflect different types of course scheduling

More teaching resources

Professional development

Professional learning for teachers

Opportunities for high school psychology teachers at the local, regional, state, and national levels

Guide on supporting regional networks for psychology teachers (PDF, 108KB) opens in new window

How educators can build, guide, and sustain regional networks that are accessible and cost-effective

Assessment guide for psychology teachers (PDF, 617KB) opens in new window

Build confidence in your assessment skills and learn how to provide useful feedback to students

APA Convention opens in new window

High school psychology teachers are welcome at this dynamic conference held each August

Webinars and videos

Build new skills and deepen your knowledge

Funding opportunities for teachers

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APF High School Psychology Outreach Grants

Support for regional teaching networks to facilitate networking and professional development among psychology teachers
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Professional Development Awards for Psychology Teachers

Apply for financial assistance to support travel to and attendance at psychology conferences or meetings
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BEA Grants for Precollege and Undergrad Teaching Conferences

Provide funding for teaching conferences to enhance the quality of teaching and learning outcomes
 

Get involved

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TOPSS listserv

Subscribe to the TOPSS listserv to receive announcements for teachers
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TOPSS on Facebook opens in new window

Stay on top of the latest news and resources to help you in your classroom
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Psychology Teacher Network

For introductory psychology teachers

APA Community opens in new window

Connect with peers and stay current on conversations shaping psychology
 

Recognize academic and professional excellence

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

Nominate a colleague for recognition as an outstanding high school teacher of psychology
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TOPSS Recognition of Academic Achievement in Psychology Certificates

TOPSS provides members with downloadable certificates that can be used to recognize student achievement
 

For high school psychology students

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Why should I take high school psychology?

Two female students sit in front of two male students on the steps of their college campus; one female student holds a laptop to research for the group.

TOPSS Competition for high school students

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Start or join a psychology club

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Student affiliate membership in APA

 

Instructional support and resources

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Engage students in research

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Classroom activities

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Broaden diversity in the high school psychology curriculum

High school classroom

Metacognitive, transferable, and well-being skills resources

Six research-tested ways to study better

Diversity self-reflection tool

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Promoting psychological science: A compendium of laboratory exercises opens in new window

High school students seated at desks in classroom.

Engaging Psychology’s Future initiative

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Online Psychology Laboratory (OPL) opens in new window

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Project Assessment (PASS) opens in new window

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Applying psychological science in pre-K to 12 schools and education

 

More on high school psychology

Read about TOPSS in the Monitor

High school psychology is science

APA high school summit