Over years of experience teaching an AP® course (in my case, AP® World History), I’ve been able to compile a list of “must do” tips and suggestions for teachers who have never taught an AP® course before. They offer insight into not only surviving your first year teaching AP®, but also how to guide you and your students to success.
Success in AP® is different for every teacher, every school, and every student, but I believe the following tips are the cornerstone to getting the most out of your AP® experience. These tips will allow you to not only make it through that pivotal first year, but provide a solid foundation for your continued success in the course. There is no magic formula to get students to pass the exam, but there are certainly some things that can speed up your learning curve.
Download the document below for my full list of tips for being successful teaching your first year of an AP® course! And for AP® World teachers, download my sample calendar to guide you in planning out your first year!
Dave Drzonek is in his 22nd year of teaching at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Illinois, and has been teaching AP® World History since 2006. He is currently a Senior Reviewer and Writer for the Advanced Placement® World History coursebook by AMSCO® for Perfection Learning® and has developed and delivered AP® World History content for the online video-based AP® test prep service GetAFive. He has been a reader for the Advanced Placement® World History Exam.Dave received his Master of Arts in Teaching, Curriculum, and Instruction from Governors State University. He believes that there is no greater way to spend a lifetime than teaching.
