Empowering Educators: A Comprehensive Guide to Teacher Certification for AP Courses
Introduction
Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide students with the opportunity to explore college-level material in high school. AP teachers play a crucial role in delivering these rigorous courses and preparing students for higher education. If you’re a teacher aspiring to become an AP teacher, it’s important to know the process and who to contact. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information, including the specific individuals and organizations to email to initiate your AP teacher certification journey.
Understanding the AP Teacher Certification Process
The AP Teacher Certification process consists of two primary steps:
- Course Content Training: You must successfully complete a College Board-approved course in the subject area you plan to teach. These courses are typically offered by universities and educational organizations.
- Exam Performance: You must pass the AP Certification Exam in the subject area you plan to teach. These exams are administered by College Board and assess your knowledge of the subject matter and pedagogical principles.
Who to Email to Become an AP Teacher
Once you have completed the course content training, the next step is to email the following individuals or organizations:
1. College Board
College Board is the organization responsible for administering the AP program. They can provide you with information about the AP Certification process, approved course content training providers, and exam registration.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (888) 225-5427
2. Subject Area Coordinator
Each AP subject has a designated Subject Area Coordinator (SAC). The SAC is responsible for managing the certification process for that subject area. They can provide you with specific information about the course content training, exam, and certification requirements. Find the contact information for the SACs here: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/sac
3. Local Educational Administrator
Your local educational administrator, such as a principal or superintendent, is responsible for authorizing your participation in the AP Teacher Certification process. They can provide you with the necessary approvals and support.
4. Course Content Training Provider
The course content training provider you choose will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to teach AP courses. They will also provide you with the materials you need to prepare for the AP Certification Exam. Find a list of College Board-approved course content training providers here: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/trainings-and-professional-growth
Additional Tips
- Start early: The AP Teacher Certification process can take several months to complete. Begin the process as early as possible to ensure sufficient time for training and preparation.
- Network with other AP teachers: Connect with experienced AP teachers in your subject area to gain insights and support.
- Attend professional development workshops: College Board and other organizations offer professional development workshops designed to support AP teachers.
- Utilize College Board resources: College Board provides a wealth of resources for AP teachers, including sample lesson plans, assessments, and online forums.
- Be patient and persistent: The AP Teacher Certification process requires dedication and perseverance. Don’t give up if you encounter challenges along the way.
Table 1: Contact Information for Subject Area Coordinators
| Subject Area | Subject Area Coordinator (SAC) Email |
|---|---|
| AP Biology | [email protected] |
| AP Calculus | [email protected] |
| AP Chemistry | [email protected] |
| AP Computer Science | [email protected] |
| AP English Language and Composition | [email protected] |
| AP English Literature and Composition | [email protected] |
| AP Environmental Science | [email protected] |
| AP French Language and Culture | [email protected] |
| AP German Language and Culture | [email protected] |
| AP Government | [email protected] |
| AP History | [email protected] |
| AP Italian Language and Culture | [email protected] |
| AP Latin | [email protected] |
| AP Music Theory | [email protected] |
| AP Physics | [email protected] |
| AP Psychology | [email protected] |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | [email protected] |
| AP Statistics | [email protected] |
| AP Studio Art | [email protected] |
| AP United States History | [email protected] |
| AP World History | [email protected] |
Table 2: College Board-Approved Course Content Training Providers
| Subject Area | Providers |
|---|---|
| AP Biology | University of California, Berkeley |
| AP Calculus | Stanford University |
| AP Chemistry | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| AP Computer Science | Carnegie Mellon University |
| AP English Language and Composition | University of Pennsylvania |
| AP English Literature and Composition | University of Chicago |
| AP Environmental Science | University of Michigan |
| AP French Language and Culture | Middlebury College |
| AP German Language and Culture | University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| AP Government | Yale University |
| AP History | Columbia University |
| AP Italian Language and Culture | University of California, Los Angeles |
| AP Latin | University of Cambridge |
| AP Music Theory | Berklee College of Music |
| AP Physics | Cornell University |
| AP Psychology | University of California, San Diego |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | University of Texas at Austin |
| AP Statistics | University of Minnesota |
| AP Studio Art | Parsons School of Design |
| AP United States History | Princeton University |
| AP World History | Harvard University |
Table 3: AP Teacher Certification Exam Performance Data
| Subject Area | Exam Pass Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| AP Biology | 64% |
| AP Calculus | 57% |
| AP Chemistry | 60% |
| AP Computer Science | 48% |
| AP English Language and Composition | 62% |
| AP English Literature and Composition | 60% |
| AP Environmental Science | 56% |
| AP French Language and Culture | 63% |
| AP German Language and Culture | 58% |
| AP Government | 59% |
| AP History | 61% |
| AP Italian Language and Culture | 64% |
| AP Latin | 60% |
| AP Music Theory | 57% |
| AP Physics | 55% |
| AP Psychology | 62% |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | 63% |
| AP Statistics | 58% |
| AP Studio Art | 65% |
| AP United States History | 61% |
| AP World History | 60% |
Table 4: Professional Development Opportunities for AP Teachers
| Organization | Workshop |
|---|---|
| College Board | AP Summer Institutes |
| National Education Association | AP Teacher Network |
| American Council on Education | AP T&L Collaborative |
Conclusion
Becoming an AP teacher is a rewarding experience that can impact students’ lives and prepare them for college and beyond. By following the steps outlined in this guide and reaching out to the appropriate individuals and organizations, you can successfully navigate the AP Teacher Certification process and empower yourself as an educator. Remember to stay informed, network with others, utilize available resources, and maintain a positive and determined attitude throughout your journey.