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. Cynthia Nebel

Dr. Cynthia Nebel is the Director of Learning Services at St. Louis University School of Medicine. She earned her Ph.D. in the Brain, Behavior, and Cognition program at Washington University in St. Louis and has held faculty positions at Lindenwood University, Washburn University, and in the Leadership and Learning in Organizations Doctorate program at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Nebel specializes in applying the science of learning to educational and organizational settings and has presented the science of learning at conferences and schools at all levels in the US and abroad as well as for corporate and government organizations. Dr. Nebel has published two influential books on the science of learning and is a leading collaborator with The Learning Scientists (www.learningscientists.org), an organization focused on bridging the gap between learning research and educational practice. Through her research, writing, and speaking engagements, Dr. Nebel continues to drive innovation in how learning science is applied to improve educational and organizational outcomes at all levels.

The Educator's Guide to AI: Impairing or Improving Student Learning Outcomes?

Artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed the educational landscape. Some educators have embraced the change while others remain wary of the impact on student learning. In this session, Dr. Cynthia Nebel will describe fundamental concepts of human learning and explain how AI can impair or be used to improve student learning outcomes.

Tracy Belfield

Tracy Belfield is a dedicated autism education specialist with over 15 years of progressive experience in special education, currently serving as Field Training Coordinator at the Kentucky Autism Training Center. With extensive expertise in implementing evidence-based practices for autism across educational settings, Tracy has delivered over 40 professional presentations to diverse audiences, including educators, families, and first responders. Combining a strong foundation in educational leadership and classroom instruction, Tracy specializes in creating sustainable support systems, facilitating successful transitions, training paraprofessionals, and empowering individuals with autism to develop independence. Her approach emphasizes collaboration between schools, families, and community organizations to remove barriers and create inclusive environments where all students can thrive.

Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Join us for a crucial general session dedicated to Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum. This session will begin with an introduction to the neurodiversity-affirming framework, providing you with a brief, affirming overview of common autism characteristics, especially as they present in adults. Our primary focus will be on the practical application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to create inclusive and accessible educational environments for all students. You'll gain valuable, actionable strategies for leveraging technology and environmental modifications, ensuring that your teaching supports diverse learning profiles. We'll conclude with a summary of resources for more information and a dedicated Q&A period to address your specific needs. Equip yourself with the knowledge to foster an environment where all students, including those on the autism spectrum, can thrive.

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 of Teaching Conference

We are accepting proposals for Breakout Sessions and Roundtable Discussions through February 1, 2026.  

We will start reviewing proposals on January 11, 2026, but will continue to accept submissions as space permits until February 1, 2026. 

Hotel Accommodations

Hotel information coming soon!

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.