Cannon Hosts Inaugural NCTOPSS Conference for Psychology Educators

Upper School psychology teacher Paula Hylton recently launched the North Carolina Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (NCTOPSS), a new professional network for high school psychology educators. Cannon School supported this initiative by serving as the host site for the organization’s inaugural conference this past weekend, helping bring together educators from across the region.

The idea for NCTOPSS began as part of Hylton’s goal to create more opportunities for collaboration and professional development among psychology teachers across the state. To support the project, she applied for and received the American Psychological Foundation Outreach Grant through the Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS), the high school division of the American Psychological Association (APA). Prior to this effort, no formal regional network for psychology teachers had taken hold in North Carolina.

Planning began in the fall with a survey to gauge interest among educators. Based on strong responses, a leadership team was formed, including Katie Fisher, Upper School social studies teacher at Cannon, and Ana Chapman, AP/IB psychology teacher at Charlotte Country Day School. The team worked together to secure funding, gain official approval for the organization, and connect with leaders of established regional networks across the country for guidance. Groups such as CHITOPSS in Chicago and MINTOPSS in Minnesota provided helpful models for what a successful network could look like.

The conference brought together educators from a variety of schools and districts, including Providence Day School, Charlotte Country Day School, Charlotte Christian School, North Mecklenburg High School, Cabarrus County Schools, and Myers Park High School. The primary goal was to build connections among psychology teachers while also providing a space to share classroom strategies, activities, and ideas. To enhance the experience, Hylton also arranged for the CEC coffee cart, staffed by Upper School students, to serve coffee throughout the conference, a detail that highlighted student entrepreneurship and was appreciated by participants.

As Hylton explained, “I have benefited from a variety of professional development experiences that have taken me around the country to meet amazing teachers and professors. However, if you asked me who teaches high school psychology in Charlotte, I wouldn't be able to give you any names. This is an opportunity to meet your neighbor and feel seen in a course that often feels like an island.”

Feedback from participants showed that the event met the goals of the conference. Teachers appreciated the opportunity to connect with peers, exchange resources, and leave with ideas they could apply in their own classrooms. Many expressed interest in attending future events and noted that the experience helped them feel more supported and connected within their field.

The conference also included a touching personal moment, as Katie Fisher was reunited with her former AP Psychology teacher, an example of the lasting relationships that can shape educators’ careers.

The inaugural conference set a strong foundation for future growth, highlighting both the need for and the value of a dedicated network for psychology educators in North Carolina. By hosting the inaugural NCTOPSS conference, Cannon School has helped create new opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. This event demonstrated how educators can strengthen their impact through connection, shared ideas, and a commitment to their field.