July 29, 2022

By Linda M. Woolf, STP President

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Alas, the summer months—at least the summer months as defined by teachers—are soon coming to end.  For some of us, the APA Convention marks the beginning of that transition, as classes start just a week or two following the closing presentation, the fond farewell to friends seen too infrequently, and that last flight home. And of course, all sorts of great ideas often come together at Convention and other conferences! So all sorts of possibilities for new beginnings! Despite my fond feelings today, I remember my first APA Convention many years ago.  After I got home, I vowed to never attend another convention or conference again!   

Let me describe that first trip.  The Convention was being held in Atlanta and I drove by myself in an old VW bus that I had purchased for $200.  Fortunately, it made it there and back but I needed that old van, as it was also my lodging!  I didn’t know anyone at the Convention and as I registered I was handed a schedule the size of a phone book (i.e., the size of a textbook for those of you who are younger).  The schedule was overwhelming but I found some “big names” I wanted to see, sat in the back, and was in awe but also overwhelmed.  I never spoke to anyone and I think I only stayed for a day or two. Home was a welcome sight!

Over the years, I have learned a lot about how to maximize the benefit of a good conference but also how to have a fun and enjoyable experience. Note that my second conference was NITOP—National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology.  What was not to like? Small, totally focused on teaching, lots of good food, and did I mention, it was totally focused on teaching psychology!  So, here is what I have learned over the years.....

To read the rest of this letter and past letters from the STP President, click here.

To read Linda Woolf's presidential initiatives for 2022 and the task forces for each initiative, click here.