Many organizations dedicated to learning and teaching in the field of psychology struggle with diversifying and widening international representation. The drive for diversification of membership and leadership occurs as such groups increasingly prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In this paper, we offer evidence-based guidance on the benefits of increasing diversity in organizational leadership as well as the means to do so. Further, we share approaches from our organization, the US-based Society for the Teaching of Psychology, to expanding diversity, as well as gaps in equity and inclusion initiatives. We conclude by discussing the importance of all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives more generally within the field of the teaching of psychology and of advancing global psychology via psychology learning and teaching associations.
Introduction: As an organization with a 75-year history of supporting the teaching of psychology, the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP), which also operates as Division 2 of the American Psychological Association, has a significant influence on psychology learning and teaching. Statement of the Problem: In this article, four former STP Vice Presidents for Diversity and International Relations explore STP’s history through the lenses of diversity, equity/social justice, inclusion, and international relations. Literature Review: The paper explores the relevant history of STP and incorporates scholarship of teaching and learning literature through an international and social justice lens. Teaching Implications: The authors discussed ways to support BIPOC and underrepresented instructors of psychology. Conclusion: STP and teachers of psychology play a pivotal role in changing the cultural, structural, and institutional processes representing ongoing barriers to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and social justice within the organization and the teaching of psychology. Instructors of psychology are well positioned to promote systemic and structural changes and advocate for social justice for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and other underrepresented teachers of psychology.
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