Educators Academy

PRSA’s Educators Academy invites public relations educators, graduate students, and professionals to submit competitive research papers, panel session proposals and teaching abstracts. Research papers and panel sessions will be presented during the PRSA Educators Academy Virtual Summit set for October 6, 2025. GIFT poster presentations will be during the in-person session scheduled during PRSA ICON, set for October 28-30 in Washington, D.C.

Submissions must be submitted via Scholastica and are due by midnight EST on Friday, May 30, 2025. Those who submit entries will be notified of decisions by no later than June 30, 2025. At least one author of accepted teaching submissions must agree to present their work in person. At least one author of accepted research papers and all panel participants are required to present during the virtual sessions.

Registration fee: Registration is required to attend PRSA Educators Academy Summit.

View pricing on the registration website. There is discounted pricing for section members, speakers, and graduate students.

Note: This fee is for PRSA Educators Academy Summit only and does not cover registration for the full PRSA or PRSSA International Conference. There are options available to bundle.

The Educators Academy is committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in our profession, classrooms, programming, and all other efforts. Therefore, all submissions should include diverse moderators and panelists; and will be judged partly on the diversity of the submission. Please be cognizant of this important inclusion as you prepare your submission.

The Educators Academy reserves the right to request that moderators of accepted panels include panelists representing diverse perspectives. Our DE&I commitment also means that we’re committed to displaying and showcasing diversity of thought throughout our programming. Panels should consist of academics from universities of different sizes and regions and represent people of different ages, cultures, ethnicities, genders, physical abilities, religions, and sexual orientations.

ALL submissions must be submitted via the PRSA Educators Academy Scholastica Page. Those submitting are strongly encouraged to review and prepare all required files before visiting the submission page.

Scholastica Submission Tips

• Call descriptions and requirements can be reviewed during the submission process by clicking “View submission guidelines.” (located at the top of the page in the center).
• This information is not required and one’s completion or incompleteness has no bearing on the acceptance decision for research or teaching submissions. It does, however, aid in our evaluation of panel participants. A panel idea/topic may be accepted, but demographic information will help us determine if panel makeup must be altered for DEI considerations.
• The Scholastica site will ask for a “Primary manuscript submission.” This is where the research paper, teaching abstract, or panel proposal should be submitted.
• All other submission requirements should be uploaded under the “Additional files” field.

RESEARCH PAPER CALL

Research papers should test, refine, or expand public relations practice, research, or theory; or critically review issues relevant to public relations theory or research. We encourage critical/cultural scholars, qualitative scholars, quantitative scholars, and others to submit their research for consideration. At least one author must be a member of the PRSA Educators Academy at the time of presentation in October. The submission review process will include a blind peer review of papers by the PRSA Educators Academy Section Leadership.

Each presenter will give a 12-15-minute research presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session. Following the conference, authors may have their papers included in non-copyrighted conference proceedings, which will be available on the Educators Academy website.

PRSA Educators Academy Summit PR Journal Special Issue
We are excited to announce the collaboration with PR Journal to have a special issue scheduled as part of the conference outcomes. Author(s) of selected research papers will be invited to submit manuscripts for consideration for a PRSA Educators Academy Summit special issue of PR Journal. Only research papers presented at PRSA Educators Academy Summit will be eligible for submissions. Award-winning research papers at PRSA Educators Academy Summit are automatically eligible for submission to the special issue for consideration and blind reviews. Due to the nature and scope of PR Journal, manuscripts must have clear outcomes and implications for the profession. Deadline to submit will be announced prior to the Summit.

Research Paper Award Competitions

• PRSA Top Research Paper Award - $500 (All non-student entries will automatically be considered and collaboration is permitted).
• Top Ethics Paper - $500, sponsored by the Arthur W. Page Center.

*Please note, for co-authored papers, the award check is made out to the first author. Winners will be required to submit a W-9.

Instructions for Submitting Research Papers

• Research papers must not exceed 25 double-spaced pages in 12-point font (including references and tables). Papers should include appropriate literature reviews, methodology descriptions, findings, and discussions. Any paper longer than 25-pages will be disqualified and not assigned for review.
• Research papers may not be under review simultaneously with any other conference; and/or any potential publication, including refereed journals, book chapters, etc.
• When submitting, the author(s) must provide the following files:
1. A separate title page with the paper’s title, abstract (no more than 50 words), author(s), affiliation(s), title(s), phone number(s), email address(es), and social media information (i.e., Twitter handle and LinkedIn page URL).
• All authors and co-authors must be listed. No authors will be added after acceptance.
• On the title page please place the words “graduate student submission” at the top of the page (before the title) if all authors are graduate students.
2. Author bio(s) (30 words or less).
3. Author headshot(s).
4. A blinded paper. The paper and paper properties must not reveal the authors’ names or affiliations for the peer review. Author-identifying information on any pages will be grounds for immediate disqualification.

TEACHING ABSTRACTS POSTER SESSION CALL

This poster session will showcase best practices in education and/or provide examples of successful educational approaches, projects, and programs. Abstracts should refine, test, or present best practices or research related to public relations pedagogy. Authors are limited to only two abstract submissions (only one will be accepted).

The submission review process will include a blind peer review by the PRSA Educators Academy Section Leadership. All accepted submissions will be included in non-copyrighted conference proceedings, which will be available on the PRSA Educators Academy website.

Further instructions for the poster sessions will be provided following acceptance notification. At least one author must be a member of the PRSA Educators Academy at the time of presentation in October.

Instructions for Submitting Teaching Abstracts

• Total submission should not exceed five pages (excluding bio(s) and headshot(s)) and may not be under review simultaneously with any other conference and/or any potential publication.
• When submitting, the author(s) must provide the following information:
1. A separate title page with the paper’s title, abstract (no more than 50 words), author(s), affiliation(s), title(s), phone number(s), email address(es), and social media information (i.e., Twitter handle and LinkedIn page URL).
2. Author bio(s) (30 words or less).
3. Author headshot(s).
4. A one-page description of teaching idea include rationale for assignment, student learning goals, connection to PR Theory or practice, and evidence of student learning outcomes or assessment of student learning.
5. Assignment details and any necessary instructions or examples.

PANEL PROPOSAL CALL

Panel session proposals should address topics that benefit educators. Past panels have focused on such topics as integrating ethics into the curriculum, helping students obtain internships, incorporating mobile apps in the classroom, and developing online portfolios. Panels should also consist of academics from universities of different sizes and regions. A panel idea/topic may be accepted, but panel makeup changes may be requested following acceptance for DEI considerations.

Each panel will have approximately 45 minutes to present followed by a question-and-answer session. Moderators will be asked to introduce panelists and lead the Q&A. Following the conference, panelists are asked to write a blog post regarding panel topics which will be available on the Educators Academy website. All panelists and moderators must attend the conference in person.

Instructions for Submitting Panel Session Proposals

• All panel proposals must include diverse panelists and will be judged partly on the diversity of the submission (i.e., racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, as well as geographic locations of panel participants, types of institutions, and rank). Please be cognizant of this important inclusion as you prepare your submission. The Educators Academy reserves the right to request that organizers of accepted panels include panelists representing diverse perspectives.
• Proposals should include a title, the names of up to three panelists with their affiliations, the moderator’s name and affiliation, and a brief description of the panel (100 to 150 words). The name and contact information of the panel organizer should be clearly identified.
• All panelists must be committed to participate in person.
• When submitting, the panel organizer must provide the following information:
  1. A separate title page with the panel’s title, panelists, affiliation(s), title(s), phone number(s), email address(es), and social media information (i.e., Twitter handle and LinkedIn page URL). All authors and co-authors must be listed. No authors will be added after acceptance (with the exception of requests from the PRSA Educators Academy Section Leadership).
  2. Panelist bio(s) (30 words or less).
  3. Panelist headshot(s).
  4. Moderator’s name, affiliation, bio (30 words or less), and social media information (i.e., Twitter handle and LinkedIn page URL).
  5. Panel organizer's name, email address, and phone number.
  6. A separate panel description (100 to 150 words). The description must be blinded. The proposal and document properties must not reveal the panelists’, moderator’s, or organizer’s names or affiliations for the peer review. Identifying information on the panel description page will be grounds for immediate disqualification.

   

The submission review process will include:

• An initial non-blind review by the research chair, research co-chair, and diversity chair to ensure the inclusion of diverse representation and perspectives — including racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, as well as geographic locations of panel participants, types of institutions, rank, and industry representation before panels move forward in the review process. If a panel proposal is determined to lack diversity (per PRSA EA’s guidelines), the panel organizer will be required to submit an updated proposal for the proposal to move forward in the review process.
• A final blind peer review of proposals by the PRSA Educators Academy Section Leadership.

INNOVATION IN EXPERIENTIAL PUBLIC RELATIONS EDUCATION

An Award Recognizing Outstanding Engagement Beyond the Classroom
Presented by the PRSA Educators Academy

The PRSA Educators Academy introduces the annual Innovation in Experiential Public Relations Education award. This award honors educators who provide outstanding learning opportunities for students outside the traditional classroom environment. Whether through study away programs, international experiences, site visits, job shadowing, mentorship programs, or PRSSA advising, these engagements play a pivotal role in connecting students with real-world PR practice.

Instructions for submitting:

• All current PRSA Educators Academy members are eligible. This includes faculty who lead domestic or international experiential programs, serve as PRSSA advisors, or organize industry engagement opportunities beyond the classroom.
• Entries must be submitted as two separate Word documents:
  • Cover Page
    • Entry Title
    • Entrant’s Full Name
    • Institutional Affiliation
    • Email Address
    • A 125-word biography (written in third person)
  • Experiential Engagement Description - This document must be fully anonymized — no identifying information in the file name, document body, or metadata.
    • Title: A clear, engaging title that reflects the engagement initiative.
    • Abstract (100 words max): A concise summary of the experiential activity and its outcomes.
    • Program Description: Provide a detailed description of the activity or initiative, including its goals, format, and structure (e.g., study away, site visits, PRSSA events).
    • Rationale: Describe the motivation or need the program addressed and its connection to professional preparation.
    • Learning Outcomes & Impact: List the intended outcomes and describe how the experience contributed to students' professional development. Evidence may include:
      • Student feedback
      • Participant reflections
      • Assessment results
      • Photos or artifacts (if applicable)
    • Alignment with Professional Standards: Explain how the experience aligns with either:
      • The PRSA Code of Ethics or Professional Standards — such as relationship-building, ethical practice, or professional growth;
      • OR the Commission on Public Relations Education (CPRE) Learning Outcomes — such as leadership, mentorship, experiential learning, or global/inclusive perspectives.

Review Process:

A panel of Educators Academy members will conduct a blind review using the following criteria:

• Innovation and impact of the engagement
• Relevance to student professional preparation
• Evidence of student benefit and feedback
• Replicability for other educators
• Alignment with PRSA or CPRE standards

BEST PRACTICES FOR PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PR PROFESSIONALS AWARD

A Teaching Excellence Award from the PRSA Educators Academy

The PRSA Educators Academy proudly announces the launch of the Best Practices for Preparing the Next Generation of PR Professionals award. This annual recognition celebrates outstanding teaching strategies and learning experiences that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to thrive in today’s public relations profession.

This award honors educators who inspire, innovate, and advance excellence in PR education.

Eligibility
All current members of the PRSA Educators Academy are eligible to apply.

Instructions for submitting:
Entries must be submitted as two separate Word documents:

• Cover Page (not shared with reviewers)
  • Entry Title
  • Entrant’s Full Name
  • Institutional Affiliation
  • Email Address
  • A 125-word biography (written in third person)
• Best Practices in Teaching Entry - This document must be fully anonymized — no identifying information in the file name, document body, or metadata.
  • Title: A clear, engaging title that reflects the teaching practice.
  • Abstract (100 words max): A concise summary of the teaching approach, context, etc.
  • Teaching Practice Description: Describe the teaching practice, assignment, or approach, including its goals, design, implementation, and modality (e.g., in-person, online, hybrid).
  • Rationale: Explain the pedagogical need or challenge this practice addressed and the reasoning behind its design.
  • Learning Outcomes & Evidence of Effectiveness: List the intended learning outcomes and provide evidence of impact. Evidence may include:
    • Student feedback
    • Assessment results
    • Learning artifacts
    • Peer observations
    • Pre/post comparisons
    • Reflections or testimonials
  • Alignment with Professional Standards: Explain how your teaching practice aligns with either:
    • The PRSA Code of Ethics or Professional Standards — such as promoting ethical communication, transparency, or public interest advocacy;
    • OR the Commission on Public Relations Education (CPRE) Learning Outcomes — such as strategic planning, research and analytics, writing and communication, diversity and inclusion, or digital/data literacy.
• Applicants should select the framework that best aligns with their teaching context.

Review Process:
A panel of Educators Academy members will conduct a blind review using the following criteria:

• Innovation and originality
• Clarity and relevance to professional PR preparation
• Evidence of student learning and engagement
• Transferability of the practice
• Alignment with PRSA or CPRE standards

IMPORTANT DATES
May 30, 2025: Submissions due by midnight EST
June 30, 2025: Acceptance notification

For additional information or inquiries regarding submissions,
please contact the Research Chair, Christa Bell.

Welcome to PRSA Educators Academy! A moment to look forward with optimism.

I am looking forward to dedicating my time and efforts and to being a part of helping PRSA Educators Academy and the public relations profession continue to move forward in 2025. 

I will encourage and challenge all members of PRSA Educators Academy to take part in the chapter’s future. I humbly ask you to be involved however you can in 2025. Members can be involved on a committee to help the section, attend a professional development program or social, encourage a fellow public relations / communications academics/professional to become a member, or be active in a way that is meaningful to you and PRSA Educators Academy. Your active involvement makes our section more valuable for you and for PRSA.

I believe that we can work collectively for our mutually beneficial future. The PRSA Educators Academy does not exist without members and without the input and active involvement of the membership. Your active involvement helps the section to remain relevant and beneficial.

As Bernays once wrote, “…modern business must have its finger continuously on the public pulse. It must understand the changes in the public mind and be prepared to interpret itself fairly and eloquently to changing opinion.”

Best wishes!

Joe Stabb, Ph.D., APR
Chair, PRSA Educators Academy
Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Tennessee, Knoxville