In-Person 2026 Workshops | Week 1 | July 6-10

Instructor: Rachel Williams-Giordano

AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to interact with the framework and learn new tools to recruit students to the course. Here are specifics about what to expect:

Day One ~ After introductions, participants will do a deep dive into the framework and learn about the structure of the weekly foci. In addition, they will interact with a sample lesson based on the updated rubric.

Day Two~Next, participants will be able to learn tips for establishing pacing guides while planning engaging lessons. Sample lessons and materials will be shared as well as strategies to ensure that the methods used are aligned to the framework.

Day Three~After a brief but detailed overview of the exam and tips for preparing, participants will have time to continue to develop plans that will ensure they are set up for success for the start of their upcoming school year. Participants will have the opportunity to share their plans and receive feedback as well as explore resources recommended by consultants.

Day Four~After exploring ways to network with new and previous APAFAM teachers, participants will be invited to create lessons for their first two weeks after reviewing a sample Unit One Exam. Using the backwards planning method, they will have the opportunity to create tailored activities that will help students build the skills outlined in the course and exam description.

Instructor: M. Colleen Harrigan

This workshop combines engaging seminar discussions with hands-on activities designed to support educators teaching the AP Art and Design program. We will cover essential program requirements and explore the details of the three portfolio types. Participants will learn ideation techniques for developing classroom experiences focused on the Selected Works and Sustained Investigation sections. We’ll also discuss teaching strategies and review the latest updates on AP program policies and exam grading.

Together, we will distinguish the three AP Art and Design portfolios through digital presentations and group discussions. Our goals include defining each portfolio’s components—Selected Works and Sustained Investigation—thoroughly reviewing the curriculum framework and scoring rubrics, and participating in a mock scoring exercise to reinforce understanding. Throughout the workshop, attendees will have multiple opportunities for peer dialogue, collaborative discussions, and curriculum development tailored to the diverse needs of Drawing, 2-D, and 3-D Art and Design students.

Additionally, we’ll share insights on effective classroom organization and management, integrating both individual and group critiques, leveraging technology and research, and understanding the influence of historical and contemporary art on image-making. The workshop features collaborative activities and resource development opportunities to enhance teaching practices, including course planning and pacing. Regardless of your prior experience with AP Art and Design, active participation is encouraged to foster the exchange of teaching methods and experiences among colleagues.

What to Bring:
• Basic art supplies for studio activities
• Laptop/tablet
• Sketchbook
• A photo or video of your classroom space
• Images of student work for group discussion -if desired
• A shared art lesson for the group – whatever you love to teach!

I hope to tailor the workshop to each participant’s unique interests and needs, equipping you with the latest information to ensure a successful AP Art and Design classroom experience. There will be opportunities to address individual concerns.

I look forward to collaborating and learning together!

M. Colleen Harrigan

studioartharrigan@gmail.com

Instructor: Brendan Murphy

This session is designed for beginning (new) as well as experienced AP Calculus teachers and will focus on the three major themes in calculus: Limits, Derivatives, and Integration. Strategies and pedagogy to effectively present the calculus concepts covered under the 2019 AB Curriculum (CED) will be discussed. Using numerous Free Response questions, we will discuss the scoring rubrics and how the exam is scored/read. We will also discuss in detail the AP Calculus Exam and how these calculus topics are “tested.”

We will review the various resources provided by the College Board including: AP Classroom, AP Daily videos, AP Central, and the Course and Exam Description (CED). A graphing calculator will be used to help participants understand the various concepts.

Instructor: Alice Zhang

This course is designed to maximize the learner experience, providing relevant AP content and pedagogy through meaningful engagement – all focused on best practices for preparing your AP students for success. This course will focus on the AP Chinese Language and Culture course and exam in relation to World-readiness Standards that serve as overarching principles for the development of curricular framework. Consultant and participants will discuss and brainstorm research-supported best practices, illustrate step-by-step instructions for creating a truly communicative and interactive immersive setting, and demonstrate effective instructional strategies in enhancing student performance in all three modes of communications (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational). Participants will gain experiences in assessing student responses by using grading criteria and rubrics applicable for AP Chinese and develop sample formative and summative assessments for their local classrooms. The entire group also will share and examine effective instructional resources. Topics will include the following:

• Going through CED
• Exploring AP Classroom
• Guiding to write effective AP Chinese course syllabus to meet new AP Curriculum Requirements (2026-2027)
• Integration of the ACTFL World Readiness Standards into instruction and assessment
• Examination of sample student answers from free response sections of an actual AP exam as well as released scoring guidelines for these sections
• Implementing strategies of OPI to increase students’ proficiency levels
• Application of differentiated instruction and best teaching practices in improving student performance
• Planning for unit teaching and daily lessons
• Sharing authentic materials and resources

Instructor: John Williamson

This institute workshop provides an intensive exploration of pedagogical approaches and instructional approaches critical for the teaching of composition and rhetoric, with emphasis on their application in an AP English Language and Composition course.  Core topics include argumentation, close reading and critical analysis of non-fiction texts, and rhetorical grammar. Curriculum design will be a focus:  scope and sequence, teaching for understanding and transfer, skill scaffolding.  Concepts of assessment, including formative assessments and feedback as well rubric development and application will be integrated.  The course will also provide participants the opportunity to understand the Course and Exam Description (CED), AP Classroom (personal progress checks, dashboard, and test bank), scoring rubrics, diversity/equity/inclusion, and instructional strategies.

Instructor: Andy Milbauer

During this AP Environmental Science APSI, you’ll explore the course framework, the exam, and the new AP resources that will help you plan and focus instruction—and give you feedback throughout the year on the areas where individual students need additional focus. You’ll also learn about completing the digital activation process at the start of the school year that will give you immediate access to the new resources and will help ensure that your students can register for AP Exams by the new fall deadlines. By attending this APSI, you’ll gain deeper insight into the following key takeaways, among several others: Understand the Course; Plan the Course; Teach the Course; Assess Student Progress; and Engage as a Member of the AP Community. In addition, specific attention will be paid to the following AP Classroom resources: unit guides, personal progress checks, AP teacher community, and the AP question bank.

Instructor: Lou Gallo

This summer institute welcomes both new and experienced teachers! Participants will get an overview of the AP Program and the AP European History course, along with practical content, strategies, and skills to boost student interest and success.

We’ll focus on developing a syllabus and pacing guide, choosing the right classroom resources, and using strategies that build reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills. You’ll also get hands-on practice with free-response questions from past AP exams to learn how to apply the AP history rubrics effectively. Plus, there will be time to connect with colleagues and share best practices.

Instructor: Celeste Reynolds

During this AP Human Geography workshop, you will gain a deeper understanding of the course framework, the AP exam, and many more resources that will help you plan and focus on instruction. We will go over the Course and Exam Description (CED), the seven units of instruction, AP Classroom, how to complete the digital activation on your teacher portal, as well as discuss how to develop the necessary critical thinking and writing skills that will help students be successful on the exam. We will frequently share classroom experiences and allow time to ask as many questions as you need to ask. We all can learn from each other. You will also be given time to explore new resources and materials that will help you build new lesson plans. We will have live guest speakers to join us who will share their expertise on geography. I am excited to meet you and share my passion for geography with you and to be inspired by your passion for your students and your work.

Instructor: George Jackson

This hands-on workshop will provide participants with an overview of the Course and Exam Description of the AP Psychology course. Participants will use the college board online resources and participate in simulated AP readings in order to analyze past AP exams and plan activities to help students develop skills and master content. Interactive demonstrations, online resources and discussions will provide participants with opportunities to learn about how to integrate new research in psychology and best practices into their teaching. Participants will leave the workshop with a course outline and engaging curriculum to cover the topics and learning objectives in the AP Psychology exam. The course will also focus on the recent changes to the AP Psychology curriculum and exam.

Instructor: Eliel Gonzalez

This course is for teachers preparing to teach the new AP Precalculus program. A discussion regarding course purpose and philosophy will help guide our week’s work. We will fully debrief the new Course and Exam Description (CED), review content and pedagogy in course topics, and explore the AP exam question format, AP resources, and supplementary materials, both in print and online, use of technology, and classroom activities to maximize learning. The primary content focus will be on the 3 assessed units, which include: Unit 1: Polynomials and Rational Functions, Unit 2: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions and Unit 3: Trigonometric and Polar Functions. Participants are asked to bring a graphing calculator and/or a laptop to use DESMOS.

Instructor: Susan Pingel

This AP United States History summer institute will focus on key takeaways involving Understanding the Course, Planning the Course, Teaching the Course, Assessing Student Progress and Understanding, and Becoming a Member of the AP Community.  These include exploration of the course framework, the exam structure and preparation practices, and AP digital resources — including those providing yearlong class and individual student feedback.  This session is relevant for teachers beginning their AP® United States History course and experienced AP® United States History teachers.  Strategies to help create, and rethink or reorganize your APUSH class will be demonstrated and shared throughout the week.  This includes insight into the creation and expansion of an APUSH program, selection of text and course materials, development of syllabi, pacing suggestions, lessons, and assessments.  Expect instruction on the scoring of Free-Response questions (FRQs), including short answer questions (SAQs), the document-based question (DBQ), and long essay questions (LEQs).  Please be ready to share ideas, ask questions, think broadly about your educational practice, work hard and enjoy your experience. A welcome letter, with an agenda, will be available prior to this workshop.  Looking forward to a wonderful week! 

Instructor: Bill Spruytte

This 30-hour training will provide you with the tools you will need to implement an effective AP Seminar course. During this training, you will explore the Capstone QUEST by examining the components of the curriculum framework. You will understand how to use activities that organize concepts and essential questions to develop students’ proficiencies in the skills identified by the curriculum framework. In addition, you will examine the AP Seminar Assessments and develop classroom materials that prepare students to complete them successfully. Finally, you will learn about the AP Course Audit requirements and begin to develop a syllabus that meets these requirements.

Instructor: Paul Henry

I focus my sessions on practical knowledge and providing resources to help launch the course so teachers may focus on supporting students without having to create all new course materials. Every participant will leave my session with enough classroom ready materials to successfully teach the course. I model my sessions on treating professionals as professionals because that is how I would prefer to be treated in a PD session. Many of my activities and resources may be found on YouTube @MrHenryAPCapstone.