The American Psychological Association announces Saul Axelrod as the 2024 recipient of the Fred S. Keller Behavioral Education Award.

"This award recognizes me as an educator, and I embrace this title more than anything else," says Axelrod, a professor emeritus with Temple University's College of Education and Human Development.

With a career spanning over four decades, Axelrod has contributed greatly to education, marked by his pioneering work in applied behavior analysis (ABA), especially in the areas of behavior modification and academic development of children. He refers to his recent award as one of his biggest achievements.

"Fred Keller did amazing work in education, and to be associated with him is an enormous honor," shares Axelrod. "I'm also honored to be in the company of all other award recipients."

Reflecting on his career, he recalled being first drawn to applied behavior analysis, a field that combines precise measurements and research-based interventions to address behavioral challenges, while pursuing a doctorate in special education at Florida State University. He found ABA's emphasis on scientific rigor compelling, saying, "I liked the fact that it was based on solid principles and was very data driven." This focus on measurable, actionable interventions aligned well with his analytical background—he had previously earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Temple University and had worked as a computer programmer for several years.

After earning his doctorate degree, Axelrod held a post-doctoral position at the University of Kansas, under the mentorship of Vance Hall, a renowned behavior analyst. It was there that Axelrod began establishing himself as a prominent figure in ABA, developing research-based solutions that could be applied in real-world settings.

In 1972, Axelrod joined Temple University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) as a faculty member, where he would stay for the rest of his career.

"What kept me at Temple was the welcoming environment. Temple gave me a job that allowed me to do what I wanted to do, allowed me to do research in applied behavior analysis and beyond," he shares. "Students and faculty all cheered each other on, so even though the work was hard, it made my career basically a joy."

In 1991, Axelrod co-founded the ABA program at Temple alongside Philip Hineline, a notable ABA educator and scholar. The program soon became a cornerstone of Temple's education offerings, producing research with lasting impact on the field.

"The caliber of awards won by Temple's ABA faculty since it was founded was extremely significant," he emphasizes. "I always tell students to choose Temple for its supportive culture, strong faculty and rigorous program, one that will help them jumpstart their career. Most importantly, you will get a great education that will stick with you."

Axelrod's work is driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of both educators and students. His lifelong goal has been to develop interventions that are easy to apply in classroom settings, always emphasizing the importance of practical, cost-effective solutions that teachers could implement.

"If teachers can't afford it or it is difficult to implement, it won't be used," he would often remind his students and colleagues.

Throughout his career, Axelrod has been a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous students through their graduate studies and into successful careers. Since his retirement in 2011, Axelrod continues to offer mentorship and remains involved with the CEHD's ABA program. His relationship with students is symbiotic, as he explained, "I learn just as much from my students. They often come up with brilliant interventions that inspire me in my own work."

Axelrod takes great pride in the success of his former students, noting, "When a doctoral student goes on to do great things in the field, it's incredibly gratifying for me to see. When they become developed and do the same things for the next generation, it's like compound interest—it just keeps growing."

An established educator, Axelrod has been recognized for his contributions to the field of ABA on numerous occasions. In 2006, he became the first recipient of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's Michael Hemingway Award for distinguished service to behavior analysis. He is also a fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the Association for Behavior Analysis International. He has also served on the editorial boards of several journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Journal of Behavioral Education and Behavior Modification. Axelrod has written numerous journal articles and book reviews, and is an author and editor of Behavior Modification for the Classroom Teacher, Behavior Analysis and Treatment and How to Improve Classroom Behavior.

One of Axelrod's enduring hopes is that ABA will become more widely accepted in mainstream education. Today, ABA has gained much more significant traction in areas like autism and special education, reflecting growth since the time when he first entered the field.

"ABA principles have so much to offer to general education settings," he says, envisioning a future where educators across disciplines embrace ABA's evidence-based methods to improve classroom management and academic outcomes for all students.

Axelrod's career stands as a testament to the power of applied behavior analysis to transform education. From his early days at Florida State University to his long tenure at Temple University, Axelrod has consistently sought to apply scientific rigor to the challenges faced by educators and students. His work in ABA, dedication to mentoring the next generation of behavior analysts, and contributions to the broader field of education have left an indelible mark on both his colleagues and students. Axelrod's legacy as an educator, teacher, mentor and innovator will undoubtedly endure for years to come.