Statement of Mark Minnick

My 33-year journey as an educator has been defined by a deep commitment to teaching, mentorship, and advocacy for the social sciences. As a candidate for the member-at-large position on the Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) Committee, I am eager to leverage my diverse experiences across multiple states and educational levels to support the committee’s vital mission and serve the wider psychology teaching community.

I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 1993, with a Bachelor of Arts in history and educational studies. Then, I completed a master’s degree in teaching at Webster University in 1997. Subsequently, I completed additional graduate coursework at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma in psychology and education. Beginning in 1993, I have been teaching full-time in three different high schools in three different states. I began at Lindbergh High School in the suburbs of St. Louis. After 4 years there, I moved to Broken Arrow High School in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Then, an opportunity came to move to my current position after 8 years in Oklahoma. I now teach psychology and serve as the social studies department chair at Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Of my 33 years in the classroom, 28 have been dedicated to teaching psychology. This sustained focus has allowed me to contribute to the broader psychological community in several capacities, including serving as an AP reader, table leader, daily presenter, and AP consultant. I have also designed curriculum as a content creator for Albert.io and currently serve on the Psychology Advisory Council for the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith. I was deeply honored to receive the Yale Educator Award in 2022 and, most recently, the 2026 APA TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching Award.

For the last 28 years, my primary focus has been on finding innovative ways to expand access to psychology education. I want to bring the science of mind and behavior to as many students as possible, many of whom I have had the joy of watching go on to pursue careers in the field. Beyond my own classroom, I have sought to strengthen the broader professional community by:

• Building networks: Developing a regional network of psychology teachers and professors in Arkansas to foster collaboration and resource-sharing.
• Mentoring: Guiding and supporting new teachers as they navigate the unique challenges of starting their careers as psychology instructors.
• Professional development: Leading workshops for the AP program, my local district, and various regional events to share best practices and highlight the real-world value of psychological science.

I intend to teach for another 10 to 15 years, during which I plan to pursue collegiate-level teaching opportunities, expand my mentorship efforts, and deliver engaging professional development. Serving as a TOPSS Committee member-at-large is the natural next step in this journey. I am eager to collaborate with the committee to help more people understand how the science of psychology can improve well-being, enhance emotional health, and foster stronger relationships.