The field of world history is still relatively new and is constantly changing, as are the methods for teaching it. Many secondary school teachers find that workshops and summer institutes are extremely helpful in order to stay familiar with the latest texts, pedagogical theories, and research. Members of the WHA have participated in such workshops and institutes and have benefited from their experiences. We have provided links to College Board’s website for anyone interested in attending a workshop or institute. You will be taken to the general workshops page and you will then have to navigate your way to the world history section. Workshops are generally listed regionally for traveling convenience. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us or College Board.

In addition to workshops and institutes, College Board offers instructors the chance to participate in the annual AP exam reading. WHA members are the AP World History Chief Reader and the AP World History Test Development Committee Chair. They have provided the following information for anyone interested in becoming a reader:

The Reading is a fine occasion to interact with colleagues from a variety of institutions who share a common commitment to quality teaching and ongoing scholarship. Especially in a dynamic and growing field such as world history, the Reading often provides opportunities to make connections that can lead to conference presentations, publications, research trips, and joint projects. Discussions about teaching and research at meals and in the evenings often provide insights into how to present materials more effectively in the classroom, think more perceptively about historical issues and evidence, and evaluate student work more successfully. At the Reading, college and university faculty work closely with high school history teachers, thus continuing the same type of collaboration that has long been a strength of the WHA. 

The application process involves submitting a Reader application (which can be completed online at: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/readers) and a copy of the applicant’s curriculum vitae and course syllabus for the comparable college-level course. Further information about the course and other resources can be found at: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/4484.html

The next AP world history reading will be held in the Salt Lake City Convention Center in Utah. The spectacular growth in the number of students taking AP world history has meant that the reading has now outgrown the previous site at Colorado State University. We anticipate that some 230,000 students will take the exam, meaning that almost 700,000 essays will need to be read and graded by the readers (who are college world history professors and high school ap world teachers). The next AP reading will take place in June 2013. Applications for the Reading are accepted on a continual basis; please submit your application as soon as possible. The College Board provides an honorarium for this service and covers all travel expenses, lodging, and meals. For further information, please contact the AP Program Reader Services at apreader@ets.org.