Teacher Spotlight on Caroline Shupe, MA

Psychology is directly relevant and applicable to people’s lives. Nothing makes me happier than when a student arrives in class and excitedly relays an anecdote about seeing psychological concept at work in their daily life. Whether it’s recognizing an example of classical conditioning, identifying their use of a defense mechanism, or acknowledging that limiting their screen time is actually helping improve their sleep quality, it is always exciting to see them connecting with the content on a meaningful level. Psychology gives students the tools to understand their own thoughts, emotions, motivations, and behaviors more deeply while helping them develop greater empathy and insight into the people around them.

Having taught Psychology and AP Psychology for over a decade, I have developed a great love for the course and the many topics that we teach. Positive psychology has always been a subject that I naturally gravitated towards, and I find myself looking forward to that unit every year. I especially enjoy exploring how practicing gratitude can help counteract hedonic adaptation, and how acts of kindness towards others boosts happiness more than doing nice things for ourselves. My favorite part of the unit is the day that students take the VIA Survey of Character Strengths. Students love to analyze their results and think about how they can use their signature strengths in school, relationships, and chosen career fields. Teaching this unit is especially rewarding because it gives students the opportunity to reflect on the practices that enhance their well-being and to explore how their signature strengths can be used to enrich their own lives and make a positive impact on those around them.

Being a new teacher can feel incredibly daunting as you are simultaneously trying to navigate the curriculum, classroom management, numerous administrative tasks, and the process of creating teaching materials from scratch. I was tremendously blessed as a young teacher to have mentors and fellow teachers on my curricular teams who shared resources and insights with me in those early years. Finding a community of fellow educators in your own school, neighboring districts, or even online not only provides much needed support and practical ideas but also serves as a great reminder that you that you aren’t in this alone. There are others who truly understand what you are going through and want to help you succeed.

It is equally important to consider the emotional connections we build with our students. Maya Angelou once said that “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I believe that this is certainly true in the field of education. Although we certainly hope that students will remember the content and skills that they’ve learned in our classes, it is also important that they remember that someone truly saw them and cared about them as individuals. Taking small moments to connect with students during passing periods, showing up for their events, and empathizing with them during times of adversity can make a lasting impact.

It is truly an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization and this award is more than I ever could have hoped for as an educator. I want to thank the American Psychological Association (APA) and the APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) for their kind words, generosity, and support throughout this process.

I also want to acknowledge that I did not get here alone. There are many people who helped shape me into the educator I am today. I’m especially grateful to the late Dr. John Estep, who sparked my passion for psychology, and to my parents, who modeled what it means to be a dedicated and supportive educator. I also want to thank Bob Lyons, my cooperating teacher and mentor, whose early guidance helped me find my voice as an educator.

I am sincerely grateful for the kind words shared by my colleague and friend, Nancy Fenton and my former students, Brianna and Emily,  in their letters of recommendation. Nancy’s support and mentorship have been instrumental in my growth, and I am a better educator because of her.

I also want to express my deepest gratitude to my husband, Derrick, for his unwavering support. His encouragement has sustained me through marathon grading sessions, graduate school, and the many demands of the profession.

Finally, I would like to thank my director, Brad Smith, and the rest of the Stevenson High School administration for their guidance, support, and leadership throughout my career.

I was inspired to become a teacher by my parents, both of whom taught at my local high school. My mom was an English teacher, and my father was the head band director. Some of my earliest memories involve helping my mom set up her classroom each August, watching her grade essays at the kitchen table, and visiting the school to watch my father conduct his band at football games, pep rallies, and concerts. I admired the dedication that my mom had towards providing high quality feedback for her students and the way that my father was able to hold students to a high standard while making a sincere effort to get to know them as individuals. Anytime we ran into former students while running errands around town, I heard anecdotes about the positive impact that my parents had made on their lives. It always amazed me how many of their former students when on to become authors, playwrights, journalists, educators, and professional musicians due to the encouragement and support they received from my parents. I always hoped that I would find a career where compassion and connection would be at the heart of my work. My parents showed me that education offers a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students while making an enduring impact on their lives.

I always encourage students to pursue careers that will allow them to utilize their unique talents and skills to the fullest extent. When my students express an interest in becoming an educator, I try to pass on the same lessons that I learned from my parents. I tell them that teaching is one of the most challenging and rewarding career paths they can choose. It is more than delivering content--it’s about being a consistent presence in your student’s lives, recognizing their potential, and helping them grow into the best versions of themselves.