For the 2026 TOPSS Committee election, TOPSS members will elect three new members to the APA TOPSS Committee: one candidate for chair-elect, one candidate for member-at-large (early career slate), and one candidate for member-at-large (open slate). All will serve 3-year terms.
Members will receive an electronic ballot on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The voting site will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on Thursday, October 8, 2026. APA is no longer mailing paper ballots to those without a functional e-mail address. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Elections Office.
Personal statements submitted by the candidates and the position descriptions are available on this page. TOPSS members are voting to elect candidates who support and further the mission of TOPSS.
Candidate for chair–elect
Chair-elect candidates were asked to describe any professional activities and/or leadership experiences they feel have prepared them to serve in this role.
Candidates for member-at-large (early career slate)
For the first time, TOPSS is presenting a slate of early career member-at-large candidates who are within their first 10 years of teaching. Member-at-large candidates were asked to describe how their personal and/or professional experiences will help broaden perspectives on the TOPSS committee. To broaden the representation of the TOPSS community on the committee, the committee encouraged those who teach outside the United States and/or have experience teaching on-level psychology to apply for the member-at-large position.
Member-at-large candidates were asked to describe how their personal and/or professional experiences will help broaden perspectives on the TOPSS committee. To broaden the representation of the TOPSS community on the committee, the committee encouraged those who teach outside the United States and/or have experience teaching on-level psychology, to apply for the member-at-large position.
The chair-elect serves a 1-year term as member of the TOPSS Committee and Executive Committee, and serves respectively as chair and past chair in the subsequent 2 years. Elections for this position will occur every year. Duties include:
Involvement in individual projects and task forces as decided by the TOPSS Committee.
Responsibility for annual year–end coordination of revisions of all TOPSS Committee job descriptions.
Responsibility for the coordination of the election process, including the call for nominations.
Member-at-large (four total on TOPSS Committee)
The member-at-large serves a 3-year term as member of the TOPSS Committee.
May be appointed to serve as a “point person” to coordinate and oversee specific responsibilities to accomplish the mission and goals of the committee on behalf of high school psychology. Designated responsibilities include, but are not limited to diversity, communications (e.g., Psychology Teacher Network), professional development, curriculum (e.g., unit lesson plans), membership (e.g., building partnerships with college and high school teachers and providing support to various local teaching networks), and special projects (e.g., TOPSS Excellence in Teaching Awards).
Is involved in individual projects and task forces as decided by the TOPSS Committee.
