Dear ECPs,
I will be attending the STP ACT for the first time this year. I know it’s virtual, so do you have any advice on what to expect and how an ECP might spend their time?
- Conference Rookie
Dear Conference Rookie,
As you know, the Society for the Teaching of Psychology 19th Annual Conference on Teaching (ACT) is here! As an STP member, you already have access — you just need to register on the website (link). If you’re not already a member of STP, make sure to join or renew your membership (it’s SO worth the $25 annual fee; link).
But what’s the big difference from previous ACTs? ACT 2020 is 100% virtual! This means a whole new approach to some of the conference favorites. The conference committee has done an excellent job transitioning to online delivery and we are excited to see what this year’s conference has in store. In particular, synchronous sessions for ACT will occur Sunday, October 4 through Saturday, October 10. "On-demand" asynchronous presentations will also be available through the STP website (link).
If you are new to the conference or curious about the line-up of events, make sure you explore the full schedule. However, here are a few activities that we would recommend for a first-time ECP attendee (or any ECP attendee, really!). They will provide you with many opportunities for professional development and networking.
Important to note as you pencil these into your agenda: ALL TIMES BELOW ARE CENTRAL TIME.
Take part in the ECP Speed Mentoring Event
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We are excited to announce that our 2nd annual Speed Mentoring session kicks off the start of ACT! This is completely FREE to those who have registered for the event.
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It will take place on Sunday, October 4 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Based on the success of the event last year, we extended the time for conversations - we heard your feedback and made the event 2 hours instead of one!
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Speed Mentoring is a one-time event (the mentors are not signing on for a longer-term mentoring relationship) with minimal prep necessary, and more details will be sent to registrants when the time gets closer. Mentees will be able to meet with more than one mentor.
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Pre-Registration required: http://teachpsych.org/ecp-mentoring
Enjoy Virtual Game Night hosted by your ECP Committee
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We will be playing “Jackbox” games and enjoying some much needed social time. We believe that this is a great opportunity to network with colleagues and other conference attendees. All are welcome, including non-ECPs!
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Virtual Game Night will take place on Monday, October 5 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Attend the Keynote and other synchronous events throughout the week
Participate in the Professional Development Workshop presented by your ECP Committee
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We welcome all ECPs to our synchronous session, Crafting Your Career: Developing An Academic Plan For Success As An Early Career Psychologist.
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It will take place on Saturday, October 10 from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm.
We look forward to seeing you at these activities and around other scheduled events. Please feel free to reach out to any of us at any time during the conference. We’d love to meet you!
In fact, STP is now accepting nominations (including self-nominations) for one new member of the STP Early Career Psychologists (ECP) Committee. If you are interested, please feel free to ask us questions at ACT! Nominees must be members of STP and qualify as “early career.” Early career is defined as anyone within ten years of beginning teaching psychology while not a student. This includes both secondary educators and those teaching at the college/university level.
The ECP Committee is composed of five members who are engaged in establishing their professional careers. The Vice President of RRR will serve as an ex-officio member. The Committee is charged with spearheading activities and opportunities to aid ECPs through education, training, and networking, and representing ECP interests in division matters.
Nominations should include a CV, the name of one reference who agrees to be contacted, and a two-page maximum statement of interest in the position. Please address any past or current involvement in STP, attendance/presentations at STP conferences, and your ability/willingness to travel to ACT each year for ECP committee business.
Minimum qualifications for ECP Committee members:
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An active member of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology
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Within ten years of beginning teaching psychology while not a student (at either the secondary or college/university level)
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Able to commit to a three-year term starting in January 2021
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Able to attend monthly or bi-monthly virtual meetings of the committee
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Willingness to respond quickly and consistently to email communication
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Able to attend the Annual Conference on Teaching
Desired Qualifications for new ECP Committee members:
Interest and/or experience in any of the following:
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Increasing engagement with members via social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter)
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Developing and presenting professional development sessions at conferences
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Creating professional development resources for ECPs
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Organizing and hosting social hours at various conferences
Please submit your application as well as any questions about the committee or application process to stp-ecp@teachpsych.orgby November 15, 2020.
Have more questions?
For our monthly column, we want to research and answer questions that mean the most to you as an early career psychologist. If you have a question, chances are you are not the only one! Fill out the quick and simple form at https://goo.gl/forms/LiPmPmgyq2VNyKGy1 and your question may be featured in an upcoming column!
See you at ACT!
Your STP Early Career Psychologists Committee
Karenna Malavanti, Ph.D.
Albee Mendoza, Ph.D.
Molly Metz, Ph.D.
Janet Peters, Ph.D.
Daniel Storage, Ph.D.
For regular updates on ECP activities:
Follow us on Twitter (@STP_ECP) and Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/ECPfacebook)
Email us at: stp-ecp@teachpsych.org
Visit our STP website: http://teachpsych.org/ecp
