Heartland Psychology Teaching Conference at WKCTC Brought Together Educators for Inspiring Sessions and Professional Development
Paducah, KY (03/13/2025) — Last week Heartland Psychology Teaching Conference, hosted by West Kentucky Community and Technical College, brought together educators from regional high school, 2-year, and 4-year institutions for an informative day of professional development. The conference provided a platform for psychology educators to exchange ideas, explore innovative teaching strategies, and network with peers from across the region.
With 21 attendees from 13 institutions and organizations (both in-person and virtual), the event was a testament to the growing importance of professional development and collaboration in the field of psychology education, and featured two renowned speakers who shared their expertise and insights on advancing psychology education.
Dr. Kenneth Carter, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology at Emory University, delivered the General Session 1: Psychology's Living Tapestry, where he discussed the evolution of psychology and its integration with public scholarship.
Dr. Laura Freberg, Professor of Psychology at California Polytechnic State University, led General Session 2: Navigating AI in the Psychology Classroom, where she explored the integration of artificial intelligence in psychology education, offering educators practical ways to incorporate technology into their teaching.
In addition to the keynote sessions, participants took part in interactive workshops and breakout sessions, where they gained valuable, hands-on strategies to immediately apply in their classrooms. The event also provided ample networking opportunities, allowing educators to build professional relationships and share their experiences with one another.
The conference was designed to inspire educators, and offer a rich experience for all attendees. Beverly Barrett, professor of psychology at WKCTC, emphasized the importance of the conference in connecting educators and advancing the field of psychology education: "Our goal was to create a space where psychology teachers from various institutions could come together to learn, grow, and share their expertise. This conference allowed them to stay at the forefront of psychology education while connecting with others who share their passion for teaching."
The Heartland Psychology Teaching Conference is an annual event that promises to continue providing valuable resources and opportunities for educators in the years to come.