Monday, November 4, 2013

The godfather of high school psychology

Quick, what do these things have in common?

  • The annual Clark/APA Workshop for high school psychology teachers  (#10 in 2014!)
  • The TOPSS lesson plans that are created AND updated by college and high school faculty
  • Money for high school teachers to be able to travel to professional psychology conferences
  • Money for high school teachers to create local networks of psychology teachers
  • Videos for high school psychology teachers, taken at the Clark workshop and APA conferences

Okay, you might think I know - those are all things TOPSS does! Well yes, you'd be right. But did you know that most of those are because of the great generosity of Dr. Lee Gurel? I know long-time fans of our blog know of Dr. Gurel, since we have documented his kindness before.

This month's APA Monitor has a feature on Dr. Gurel and all of the things that have been accomplished with his donations. But what you probably don't know - and what the article features - is that Dr. Gurel has decided to include in his will a bequest of $250,000 to APF/APA to help high school psychology! This is an amazingly kind gift that will help APA and TOPSS continue to provide outstanding resources and support for high school psychology.

I know that Dr. Gurel is a frequent reader of this blog, so I would love for all psychology teachers out there to leave a comment to say THANK YOU DR. GUREL!

--posted by Steve

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Dr. G! Amy Ramponi from Clark 2013! You and your wife are such lovely and generous people! Thank you from teachers and students of psychology everywhere!

Mrs. Welle said...

I was able to meet Dr. Gurel while at the Clark University Workshop a few years back (I want to say 2010?). I recall being very impressed with his commitment to continued learning for all people (including himself) and his passion for great teaching in psychology. His generosity is MUCH appreciated and his work is an inspiration. Thank you, Dr. Gurel!

Unknown said...

Wow Steve! What a lovely post and a great idea. Lee, I loved meeting you and your wife at Clark, I continue to implement those ideas and to enjoy wearing my t-shirt. Not sure about the "godfather" as an image for you, though. Thanks for sharing your joy in the teaching of psychology, and for making it easier, more rewarding, more accurate, and more fun for those of us who are teaching high school psychology. Your contributions truly make a difference at an individual and group level. Steve listed some resources I didn't know exist, so thanks for sharing those! (APA videos ). All the best!

Debbie Dashoff said...

I went to this conference a few years ago (with Virginia Welle, above) and found it to be so inspiring. It was such a wonderful opportunity to think about the exiting ideas of psychology and learn SO much from my fellow teachers. Thank you Dr. Gurel for your incredible generousity.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Dr. Gurel! I had the opportunity to attend the 2013 Clark workshop and it was the best professional development I have ever experienced! Thank you for making that possible!

Jen said...

Thank you Dr. Gurel for your extreme generosity! I was fortunate enough to attend the 2013 Clark workshop and thoroughly enjoyed the learning opportunities you provided. It was lovely to meet you and your wife, what a commitment to also attend the sessions with us!

Unknown said...

Hooray indeed for Dr. Gurel! I was on the TOPSS board when Mayella Vallejo (might have butchered that spelling) asked me to meet with Dr. Gurel, and from our first handshake Dr. Gurel has been a wonderful friend to high school psychology. Your influence will last generations, Dr. Gurel - thank you.

Riki Koenigsberg said...

I want to add my thanks. Your generosity enabled me to be part of the Clark Workshop, one of the most stimulating and teaching- enhancing faculty development programs I have been part of and the best one offered to HS teachers. You are an inspiration, and your support and encouragement of HS teachers of psych is very much appreciated. May you and your charming wife be blessed with a long and healthy life where you can continue your fine work and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing how much you have helped, in so many ways.

Unknown said...

Thank you Dr. Gurel for all that you do for teachers and students of psychology. Your generosity is well appreciated.

Nancy Fenton

Anonymous said...

I attended the Clark University Workshop several years ago, Dr. Gurel is an inspiration and was a wonderful man to meet. Look forward to attending again in the future!

mariavita said...


LOVE Mr. Gurel!!!!!!!!! Thanks to his contributions to APA Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools - TOPSS Dr. Gurel has made it possible for teachers of high school psychology to have access to important resources and standards. Thanks Dr. Gurel! Your enthusiasm and generosity are APPRECIATED!!!