Randy Ernst, EdD, was awarded a Presidential Citation for pioneering leadership of modern day pedagogy of psychology.
On the opening of the American Psychological Association’s First Summit on High School Psychology Education, the first Presidential Citation was awarded to an educator significantly involved in high school psychology is given to Randy Ernst, EdD.
If there ever was an educator committed to the importance and excellence of the teaching of psychology at the high school, it is Ernst. He received his doctorate in Education from the University of Nebraska. Ernst taught high school and was responsible for psychology curriculum for 30 years in the Lincoln, Neb. public schools. Subsequently, he became an assistant professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University which holds the distinction for having produced numerous APA presidents.
Ernst is a significant force in the pedagogy of psychology. Here are four examples. One, he is one of the founders of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) which is the core of high school psychology, both within and outside of APA. Two, Ernst was also on the original Test Development Committee of the Advanced Placement Psychology program almost three decades ago. Third, his seminal article on high school psychology in the America Psychologist was the blueprint and impetus for what later became APA’s National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula. Finally, he is the co-chair of the Steering Committee for this most critical summit of high school psychology.
As a pioneer and leader of modern day pedagogy of psychology, APA and all of psychology is fortunate to have Randy Ernst envision, develop and subsequently fill the pipeline of both consumers and students of psychology at the rate of over one million individuals each year. With his leadership and vision, the future of psychology will reflect what our founders envisioned of psychology 125 years ago.