About the Directorate

The Education Directorate of APA, established in January 1990, advances the science and practice of psychology for the benefit of the public through educational institutions, programs and initiatives. The directorate seeks to advance education and training in psychology and the application of psychology to education and training by:

• Enhancing the quality of teaching and learning outcomes at all levels of education and training,

• Meeting the demands of the changing demographics in a multicultural society through education and training, and

• Increasing the level and availability of financial and public policy support for education and training.

The Education Directorate consists of eight program offices:

• Center for Psychology in Schools and Education (K-12)

• Education Government Relations Office

• Office of Executive Director/Administration, Governance and Communications

• Office of Continuing Education in Psychology

• Office of CE Sponsor Approval System

• Office of Graduate and Postgraduate Education and Training

• Office of Education in Psychology — Precollege/Undergrad

• Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation

It works closely with:

• Center for Workforce Studies (CWS)

• BEA's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Continuing Professional Development in Psychology is to recognize excellence and innovation in support of the lifelong education and ongoing training of psychologists. The award prize is $1,000. In order to be considered for this award, nominees must have a demonstrated record of excellence in relation to the development and/or implementation of significant initiatives that have made substantial contributions to the field of ongoing professional development in psychology. Contributions may include conceptual, empirical or technological developments that represent substantial advances in the generation or dissemination of new knowledge or applications in the field of ongoing, post-graduate and professional development.

• The Distinguished Contributions to Education and Training in Psychology Award recognizes psychologists who have engaged in teaching/training as the primary employment during their career. Psychologists will be selected for this award on the basis of their documented positive influence on the education and training of students, engagement in important research in education and training, development of effective materials for instruction, establishment of workshops, conferences or networks of communications for education and training, achievement and leadership in administration that facilitates education and training, and activities in professional organizations which promote excellence. The award may recognize work over the course of a career, in which case the award be called the Distinguished Career Contribution to Education and Training Award.

• The Distinguished Contributions of Applications of Psychology to Education and Training Award recognizes psychologists for evidence-based applications of psychology to education. In order to be considered for this award, the candidate must demonstrate a contribution to new teaching methods or the solution of learning problems through the use of research findings or evidence-based practices. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of psychological knowledge to improve learning in educational settings, including pre-kindergarten to grade 12 and/or in communities.