American Psychologist, Vol 81(5), Jul-Aug 2026, 568-570; doi:10.1037/amp0001753
Karen Z. Naufel is recognized with the Charles L. Brewer Award for Distinguished Teaching of Psychology, for her exceptional contributions to the teaching of psychology, her impactful contributions to student success and faculty development through national service, and her strong commitment to civic engagement. Naufel’s influence spans the classroom to service work within the discipline. She is recognized for her innovative course materials and pedagogical approaches, which she often uses in her mentorship of other educators. Her extensive service at the national level has resulted in transformative products, including scholarly publications and resources that benefit students, teachers, and the discipline of psychology. Naufel has also garnered a reputation as a ‘community teacher,’ with strong aspirations to teach psychology to everyone, everywhere. She has connected psychological science to local community initiatives with the goal of enhancing the perceived value of psychology. Naufel’s passion for cultivating appreciation for psychology is evident in her commitment to sharing and teaching psychology broadly. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)