Remembering Lee Gurel, PhD

Dr. Lee Gurel passed away on July 24, 2023. Dr. Gurel was a dedicated member of the APF family, funding numerous programs through the Foundation to support the TOPSS (Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools) Committee.

The APA/Clark University Workshop for High School Teachers is one of the most sought-after professional development experiences available to high school psychology teachers. This workshop, held annually since 2005, offers attendees an opportunity to share peer-to-peer creative ideas and learn new concepts to further enhance their teaching skills. Over 400 high school psychology teachers have benefited from this workshop since its start, and they all have nothing but wonderful things to say about the program.

The APA/Clark University Workshop for High School teachers was by far the best professional development I have experienced in my career. I now have a community of peers who also teach and have a passion for psychology that I feel comfortable contacting for support and ideas. I highly recommend this workshop.

Clark University Workshop Participant

Read more about the impact of this program and Dr. Gurel here on the Clark University website.

In addition to the Clark University Workshop, Dr. Gurel also established the Lee Gurel Fund for High School Psychology and the Lee Gurel Fund for Professional Development of Teachers of Psychology. Over the last 20 years these programs have made substantial contributions including:

• 30+ APF/Education Directorate High School Psychology Outreach Grants since 2016
• 50+ Professional development awards and opportunities for high school psychology teachers
• Curriculum revisions and development of online learning modules
• Additional travel support for Clark Workshop participants
• Dissemination of resources to nearly 10,000 high school psychology teachers in 2021
• and more!

APA’s Education Directorate has shared a moving tribute to the long reaching impact of Dr. Gurel here.

---

To honor Dr. Gurel, the family has asked donations be made to the American Psychological Foundation in his memory. Donations made in memory of Dr. Gurel will be directed towards APF’s Visionary Grants to continue his impact.

We are deeply touched by the generosity of the Jung Family, who have graciously spearheaded this effort by initiating donations in his memory. Please visit this page to add your donation in memory of this luminary in the field of psychology.