Why did you join the division?
I joined APA and Division 15 in 1999 as a graduate student. I wanted to learn more about the field and to network with other graduate students with similar research interests.
What do you value most about being an educational psychologist?
Educational psychologists study how cognitive, developmental, social, motivational, and emotional processes influence teaching and learning. I appreciate how the field is inherently interdisciplinary and focuses on solving big issues in education.
What’s something you want people to know about your division?
Division 15 is dedicated to providing relevant activities and resources for our membership. We offer various funding opportunities and recognize members at all career stages for their scholarly contributions through a variety of awards. We provide programming and support through webinars for our membership—particularly for graduate students and early career scholars. For example, we have several committees, such as the Race and Diversity Committee, that offer workshops focusing on teaching or methodological approaches. We have two journals, including the high-impact Educational Psychologist and the recently launched Educational Psychology for Policy and Practice (E3P). To ensure that members are informed and have opportunities to become involved, the Division features several other publications, including policy briefs, practice briefs, a newsletter, a podcast series, a weekly digest, and a Psychology Today blog. Division 15, Educational Psychology, is a welcoming place. Come join us!
What is your favorite place to travel to? What is next on your travel list?
I recently traveled to Portugal. It is a beautiful country with amazing scenery, culture, and people. I have a long list of other places I would like to visit. Spain remains at the top of my list.
If you weren’t a psychologist, what would you be?
As an undergraduate student, I majored in psychology and Spanish. I was torn between a career in psychology and a career focusing on the Spanish language. If I weren’t a psychologist, I would be a Spanish or ESL teacher.
Contact: Jessica DeCuir-Gunby