Here's what awaits you:

• Learn from the best: Hear renowned speakers share their insights on cutting-edge teaching methods in psychology.
• Boost your classroom skills: Participate in interactive workshops and breakout sessions, gaining practical strategies you can implement right away.
• Network with colleagues: Connect with fellow psychology teachers from all levels, share ideas, and build a supportive network.
• Become an inspiration: Propose your own breakout session or roundtable discussion and share your expertise with others.

This conference is all about:

• Teaching excellence: Discover new ways to engage your students and make psychology come alive in the classroom.
• Collaboration: Connect with colleagues across educational settings, fostering a community of passionate psychology educators.
• Professional growth: Gain valuable professional development and stay at the forefront of psychology education.
• Promoting psychology: Let's work together to show the world why psychology is a fascinating and essential science.

Dr. Laura Freberg

Laura Freberg is a Professor of Psychology at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, specializing in behavioral neuroscience and introductory psychology. She received her PhD from UCLA after conducting her dissertation research with Robert Rescorla at Yale University. Freberg is the author or co-author of textbooks on introductory psychology, behavioral neuroscience, applied behavioral neuroscience, and research methods in psychological science. She served as the Psychology Consultant to the New York Times InEducation program. Freberg was the 2018-2019 President of the Western Psychological Association (WPA) and received the WPA’s lifetime achievement award in 2024. She is a passionate technophile, constantly looking for ways to improve her students’ experience.

Navigating AI in the Psychology Classroom

The emergence and rapid evolution of AI tools has left many instructors feeling overwhelmed and unsure about best practices. We know that AI will be a significant part of our students’ futures and we want to prepare them as well as possible for this inevitability. But how do we do that? In this talk, we will explore how AI is not just a tool of the future but a dynamic part of our present educational landscape. We’ll discuss how we, as educators, can help our students embrace AI’s potential by modeling and practicing effective and responsible use. Our journey will include:

• Understanding Our Biases: Reflecting on personal and disciplinary attitudes towards AI, and how these influence our teaching. 
• Crafting Effective Policies: Developing classroom strategies tailored to our unique educational environments that foster a healthy relationship with AI tools.
• Rethinking Assessments: Innovating assessment methods to promote creativity and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization. 
• Handling the Unexpected: Learning to manage challenging situations and conversations with students who may push the boundaries of these new tools. 

Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, we will explore practical strategies for preparing our students for a future where AI is everywhere. Whether you’re new to AI or a seasoned techie, you’ll leave with insights and tools to transform your teaching approach and inspire your students to harness the power of AI in their learning journey.

Dr. Kenneth Carter

Dr. Kenneth Carter is a clinical psychologist, author, and speaker. He is the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology at Oxford College of Emory University and the founding director of the Emory University Center for Public Scholarship. A graduate of Oxford College and Emory University, Carter received an MA and PhD in psychology from the University of Michigan. After completion of his doctoral work, he also earned an MS in psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and gained board certification as a clinical psychologist. He is the author of several textbooks including Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders (Cambridge University Press) and the forthcoming Living Psychology (SAGE Publications). He has published in both academic and lay publications, translating psychology research into engaging everyday language. His articles have been published in magazines such as Psychology Today and Women’s Health, and he has appeared on news programs such as CNN Tonight, NPR’s: ShortWave, All Things Considered, and NBC’s Today show. The psychology of thrill-seeking is the current focus of Dr. Carter’s research. He has delivered TEDx talk on thrill-seekers and is the host of Mind of a Motorhead an NBC Sports web series that examines the personalities of motorsport athletes. His most recent book is Buzz!: Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies (Cambridge University Press). When not teaching, speaking, or writing, Dr. Carter prefers reading and relaxing on the beach rather than wingsuit flying or BASE jumping.

Psychology's Living Tapestry

This talk explores how psychology tackles real-world problems, enriching both our understanding and teaching of psychological principles. Using the "Big Question" framework, it links scientific inquiry to personal experiences, emphasizing the value of fostering a questioning mindset in students. We'll explore core topics in psychology, such as social psychology, personality, and mental health, showing how they arise from both research and the need to solve practical problems. By examining these areas through diverse perspectives and scientific evidence, this approach cultivates a dynamic and integrative grasp of psychology. The talk aims to inspire faculty to guide students in actively engaging with psychological concepts, recognizing their relevance in everyday life, and asking meaningful questions about their own experiences, enhancing the field's significance and applicability in their teaching.

Support the Heartland Psychology Teaching Conference and boost your brand visibility by selecting one of the exclusive sponsorship packages below. Each level provides valuable exposure to our attendees and the broader community. All sponsors will receive two complimentary tickets to the event. Exhibitors and sponsors will be provided a table offering ample opportunities for interaction with attendees throughout the day. To promote exhibitor engagement, we encourage exhibitors to provide door prizes that will be raffled off the conclusion of the conference. At the end of the conference, each exhibitor will hold a raffle for their own door prize. Attendees can enter the raffle by submitting their entry at your exhibitor table. The winner will be selected from the entries you receive.

To be a sponsor or exhibitor contact:

Ashley Burns
Director of Community, Workforce & Economic Development
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
ashley.burns@kctcs.edu or (270) 534-3206

Be an Exhibitor

For more comprehensive brand exposure, we offer you an exhibitor opportunity that will enable you to interact with attendees promoting your brand or service throughout the day.

Submit a Proposal for Heartland Psychology Teaching Conference

We are accepting proposals for Breakout Sessions and Roundtable Discussions through February 21, 2025.

We will start reviewing proposals on January 13, 2025, but will continue to accept submissions as space permits until February 21, 2025. 

Hotel Accommodations

The following hotel has rooms blocked (King or 2 double bed options) for conference attendees.    Discount rates are available for the nights of March 6 (Thursday) and March 7 (Friday).  

Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront, an IHG Hotel
600 North Fourth Street, Paducah, KY 42001

The Holiday Inn is located on the downtown riverfront close to shops and eateries and is a 14-minute drive from the conference site.  It is also only a few blocks from The Cork Room, where the Post Conference Networking Mixer will be held.

Rooms must be booked by 2/7/25 to take advantage of the discount rate.

To reserve a room:

• You can book online.  The dates will not automatically load, so you will need to enter the dates.
• Or call the hotel direct at 888-465-4329 and use the code WKC.

About Paducah

If you are a first-time visitor to Paducah spend some time exploring our town that was designated a UNESCO Creative City.  Here are a few things we have to offer:

• National Quilt Museum
• Ohio River Flood Wall Murals
• Lloyd Tilghman House & Civil War Museum
• Greenway Trail (walking, running & biking)
• River Discovery Center

For more information on these and other things to do in Paducah, please visit the Paducah Convention & Visitor's Bureau website.