What are AP Teacher Requirements?
Since 1955, the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program has given high school students a challenging and inspiring way to prepare for college success through exciting and rigorous coursework. These courses often serve as excellent motivators for students who may not think college is in their future. Teachers who work with AP students are known as some of the most knowledgeable, dedicated and creative instructors in their profession, and becoming qualified to teach AP courses is one of the most exciting professional development opportunities available. If you are interested in taking your career to the next level and become an AP teacher, you’ll want to develop your knowledge of the Advanced Placement Program, specifically your content specific teaching skills.
Through extensive research the College Board has established a set of standards that apply to all AP teachers. These are widely accepted, though interested teachers should seek further information specific to their particular school district. Requirements for teaching an AP course may vary depending on the state and the district.
AP Standards
- Content Knowledge:
AP teachers should have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in their content field or have significant, measurable mastery of their subject area. Since AP work is at the college-level, the College Board recommends that AP teachers have an advanced degree in their discipline or in education. - Teacher Certification:
The AP recommends that its teachers be certified by the national Board for Professional Teaching Standards. By achieving this certification, AP teachers meet the following core propositions for excellent teaching.- Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
- Teachers know the content within the subjects they teach and how to teach the content to the students.
- Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
- Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
- Teachers are members of learning communities.
- Pedagogy:
AP teachers should use various instructional strategies that allow students to develop their problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills. Additionally, they must be able to match their teaching approaches to the dynamics of their classroom and their discipline area. As the AP student population becomes more diverse, teachers must emphasize the inclusion of different populations and ensure that their focus on academic excellence benefits all students. - Analysis and Reflection:
All educators should be allowed the time and space to reflect on their teaching and their assessment practices, and this is especially true for AP teachers. The AP program provides online venues such as AP Central, AP electronic discussion groups and College Board Online Events for their teachers to engage in professional discourse and reflection conduct research and pursue other related endeavors to maintain their knowledge base. - Professional Development:
It is suggested that AP teachers begin by participating in a workshop for new AP teachers, which provides a critical introduction and overview of the AP course they will be teaching. There is also a weeklong College Board-endorsed Summer Institute, as well as similar courses of varying lengths for both beginning and experienced AP teachers.
Advanced Placement teachers hold the tools necessary to help students get a jump start on college. They are instrumental in providing the knowledge, skills, and guidance for young men and women who may otherwise not be considering college. The rigorous but inspiring coursework of an AP motivates both students and teachers to take their love of learning to a higher level. To learn more about becoming a part of this exciting community of professionals, find out about the different Master’s Degrees and training opportunities that can help place you in an AP classroom.
Content provided by U.S. News University Directory.
