The best part of teaching psychology is that it applies to every aspect of human life. Guiding students through their journey of understanding themselves and others is wonderfully gratifying. That mind-opening moment when a student connects a real-world event to a topic we’ve discussed is such a cool thing to witness; I’m lucky to have some responsibility for it.
Topics that help us to understand our political moment are at the top of my list. Psychologists have studied group polarization for decades, and the data showing what has happened in the US since the start of the internet age are very compelling. Lessons that focus on what our phones and social media are doing to us, and exploring the impact of these forces on our mental and public health are not only important, but fun to teach.
Connect with other psychology teachers. Don’t rely on AI to create lessons. Make your students do the heavy lifting. Play the role of the expert, even if you’re not there yet. Prioritize your sleep.
It’s reassuring to hear that others think that I’m doing my job well. I want to continue to improve as a teacher and learner, and receiving a Charlie shows me that I’m heading in that direction. When I mess up, that’s what sticks in my head; this is a welcome counterweight to my negativity bias.
The Smackdown is always the school day before the AP Psych exam, and 2025 will mark its eleventh year. (Teachers can find it on the AP Psychology Teachers’ Facebook group.) My favorite part of the competition is connecting students from different classrooms. After a full academic year of learning the curriculum, it’s easy for students to perceive the course as an individual pursuit. The Smackdown is a reminder of the countless ways to reach the same destination, and that there are peers from other places who have done just that.
It started out with my students competing with two other classrooms: one in Texas and one in Michigan. Last year there were participants joining from 35 different US states, plus Canada, Thailand, Israel, and other countries. It has gotten bigger and better. Thankfully, the technology that allows us to connect (newer computers, improved school WiFi, access to devices) has also improved. I love that so many teachers get their students to play along and tell me that it’s a highlight of their year!
