Empowering educators to inspire the next generation of psychologistsAdvanced Placement Psychology Summer Institute
About the Summer Institute
The Advanced Placement Psychology Summer Institute is a comprehensive professional development opportunity designed to support both new and experienced AP Psychology teachers. This intensive program provides educators with the knowledge, resources, and strategies needed to build an effective AP Psychology curriculum and enhance student success on the AP exam.
Our institute brings together expert consultants, experienced educators, and passionate psychology enthusiasts in a collaborative environment focused on best practices in AP Psychology instruction. Participants engage in hands-on activities, content deepening sessions, curriculum planning workshops, and discussions of teaching methodologies that have proven successful in classrooms across the country.
Through this intensive summer program, teachers will develop a deeper understanding of the AP Psychology curriculum framework, gain insights into effective instructional strategies, and build a network of colleagues who share their commitment to excellence in psychology education.
Course Objectives
The AP Psychology Summer Institute is designed to achieve several key objectives:
- Curriculum Familiarization: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the AP Psychology Course and Exam Description, including course outline, key concepts, and skills.
- Instructional Planning: Develop a pacing guide and lesson plan framework that covers all required content while allowing for meaningful student engagement.
- Assessment Strategies: Learn how to create assessments that mirror AP-style questions and develop effective techniques for providing feedback to students.
- Content Deepening: Strengthen content knowledge in key areas of psychology, including research methods, biological bases of behavior, cognition, and development.
- Activity Development: Discover and develop engaging classroom activities, demonstrations, and experiments that reinforce psychological concepts.
- Equity and Access: Explore strategies for making AP Psychology accessible to diverse student populations and supporting students who may face challenges.
- Technology Integration: Learn about digital tools and resources that can enhance instruction and facilitate student learning in psychology.
Benefits for Educators
Participating in the AP Psychology Summer Institute offers numerous benefits for educators:
Enhanced Teaching Effectiveness
Participants will gain practical strategies and techniques that can be immediately implemented in the classroom, leading to improved student engagement and learning outcomes.
Comprehensive Resources
All attendees will receive a extensive collection of teaching materials, including lesson plans, activities, assessments, and resource lists that align with the AP Psychology curriculum.
Professional Networking
Connect with fellow AP Psychology teachers from diverse school settings, creating a network of colleagues for ongoing collaboration, idea sharing, and support throughout the school year.
Expert Guidance
Learn directly from experienced AP Psychology consultants, table leaders, and exam readers who bring years of expertise and insight into teaching psychology effectively.
Continuing Education
Earn professional development credits (subject to district approval) while engaging in meaningful professional learning that directly impacts your classroom practice.
Institute Schedule
The four-day institute follows a structured schedule designed to maximize learning and collaboration:
Day 1: Foundations of AP Psychology
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 | Registration and Welcome |
| 9:00-10:30 | AP Psychology Course and Exam Description: Overview and Components |
| 10:45-12:00 | Pacing and Curriculum Planning Framework |
| 1:00-2:30 | Teaching Research Methods and Statistics |
| 2:45-4:00 | Demonstration: Classroom Activities for Research Methods |
| 4:00-4:30 | Day 1 Reflection and Q&A |
Day 2: Biological and Cognitive Foundations
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 | Morning Check-in |
| 9:00-10:30 | Teaching Biological Bases of Behavior |
| 10:45-12:00 | Neuroscience Demonstrations and Labs |
| 1:00-2:30 | Approaches to Teaching Cognition |
| 2:45-4:00 | Memory Activities and Experiments |
| 4:00-4:30 | Day 2 Reflection and Q&A |
Day 3: Development, Learning, and Social Psychology
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 | Morning Check-in |
| 9:00-10:30 | Developmental Psychology: Key Concepts and Teaching Strategies |
| 10:45-12:00 | Learning: Classical and Operant Conditioning Activities |
| 1:00-2:30 | Social Psychology: Teaching the Power of Social Influence |
| 2:45-4:00 | Assessment Design Workshop |
| 4:00-4:30 | Day 3 Reflection and Q&A |
Day 4: Individual Differences, Assessment, and Course Planning
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 | Morning Check-in |
| 9:00-10:30 | Teaching Abnormal Psychology |
| 10:45-12:00 | Treatment of Psychological Disorders |
| 1:00-2:30 | AP Exam Preparation Strategies |
| 2:45-4:00 | Course Planning Q&A and Resource Sharing |
| 4:00-4:30 | Evaluation and Closing |
Registration Information
Registration is now open for the upcoming AP Psychology Summer Institute. To secure your participation, please complete the following steps:
- Complete the online registration form by clicking the button below.
- Submit the registration fee of $595 through our secure payment portal.
- Receive confirmation email with additional institute details and pre-institute materials.
Registration Fee Includes:
- All four days of professional development
- Comprehensive notebook of teaching materials
- Access to digital teaching resources
- Lunch and refreshments during institute hours
- Networking opportunities
- Certificate of completion
Important Dates:
- Early Bird Registration Deadline: June 15
- Final Registration Deadline: July 15
- Institute Dates: July 25-28
Space is limited to ensure an interactive and collaborative experience for all participants. Early registration is strongly recommended.
Refund Policy:
Cancellations received by July 1 will receive a full refund. Cancellations received between July 2-15 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after July 15.
Faculty Information
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Lead Consultant
Dr. Mitchell has over 20 years of experience teaching AP Psychology at Lincoln High School, where her students consistently perform above the national average on the AP exam. She has been an AP Psychology Reader for 12 years, serving as a Table Leader for the past 5 years. Dr. Mitchell conducted her doctoral research on effective strategies for teaching psychological science at the high school level and has published numerous articles in psychology education journals.
Prof. James Rodriguez, Consultant
Professor Rodriguez teaches psychology at State University and specializes in cognitive psychology. He has served as an AP Psychology consultant for 8 years and brings extensive knowledge of both the college psychology curriculum and effective high school teaching. He is particularly skilled at creating engaging demonstrations that make complex psychological concepts accessible to high school students.
Location and Accommodations
The Summer Institute will be held at the Westside Conference Center, conveniently located near downtown with easy access to hotels and restaurants.
Address: 123 Academic Drive, Westside, CA 90210
Recommended hotels offering special rates for institute participants:
- University Inn: (555) 123-4567 - Group Code: APSI2023
- City Center Hotel: (555) 987-6543 - Group Code: PSYCH24
- Comfort Suites: (555) 456-7890 - Group Code: APSINSTITUTE
Testimonials
"The AP Psychology Summer Institute completely transformed my teaching approach. The activities and strategies I learned have increased student engagement and significantly improved AP exam scores in my school."
- Maria, High School Psychology Teacher, Denver
"As a first-year AP Psychology teacher, this institute gave me the confidence and resources I needed to build a successful course. The consultant was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive."
- David, High School Psychology Teacher, Miami
"The networking opportunities at the institute have been invaluable. I've developed lasting professional relationships with colleagues across the country, and we continue to share resources and support each other throughout the school year."
- Linda, High School Psychology Teacher, Seattle
Advanced Placement Psychology Summer Institute and Reference File Download Link
Advanced Placement Psychology Summer Assignment 2022 and Reference File Download Link
2021 Summer Class Syllabus (LA King Sejong Institute) and Reference File Download Link
Advanced Placement Teacher Interview Questions and Reference File Download Link