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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.

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)

• Submitters will be asked to provide optional demographic information such as race, gender, academic position, sexual orientation, and economic background. These fields are intended to assist the initial non-blind review process to determine if there is diverse representation and allows the research chairs to see demographic data. This information is not required and one’s completion or incompletion has no bearing on the acceptance decision.

• 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.

Submission Types

We are accepting research papers, teaching abstracts and panel proposals for consideration.

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. Papers employing all methods of inquiry are invited. At least one author must be a member of the PRSA Educators Academy.

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

Research Paper Award Competitions
All non-student entries will automatically be considered for the $500 PRSA Top Research Paper Award. Collaboration is permitted. In addition, awards will be given for top ethics paper $500, sponsored by the Arthur W. Page Center. Only one author is needed to present the paper during the virtual conference.

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.

Research Paper Submission Requirements

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.

Research Paper Required Files
When submitting, the author(s) must provide two documents:

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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).
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On the title page please place the words “graduate student submission” at the top of the page (before the title) if all authors 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.
Author bio(s) (30 words or less)
Author headshot(s)
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.

Research Paper Review Process
The 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, methods, and perspectives.
A final blind peer review of proposals by the PRSA Educators Academy Executive Board.

Teaching Abstract 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. _

Teaching Abstract Submission Requirements
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.

Teaching Abstract Required Files
When submitting, the author(s) must provide the following separate documents:

 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.*

Author bio(s) (30 words or less)
Author headshot(s)
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. The description must be blinded. 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.
Assignment details and any necessary instructions or examples. These documents must be blinded. 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 Abstract Review Process
The submission process will include:

An initial non-blind review by the research chair, research co-chair, and diversity chair to ensure the inclusion of diverse representations, considerations, and perspectives.
A final blind peer review by the PRSA Educators Academy Executive Board.

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 virtual conference.

Panel Proposal Submission Requirements

All panel proposals must include diverse 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 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.

Panel Proposal Required Files
When submitting, the panel organizer must provide the following information:

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 Executive Board)
Panelists bios (30 words or less)
Panelist headshots
Moderator’s name, affiliation, bio (30 words or less) and social media information (i.e., Twitter handle, and LinkedIn page url)
Panel organizer’s name, email address and phone number.
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 panel organizer’s names or affiliations for the peer review. Identifying information on any pages will be grounds for immediate disqualification.

Panel Proposal Review Process
The submission 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 (i.e., racial and ethnic diversity or diverse affiliation of panelists).
A final blind peer review of proposals by the PRSA Educators Academy Executive Board.

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 including the 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.
The Experiential Engagement Description should include the following:
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