The Substitute Supervisor’s Guide to Conquering the AP Exam (and maybe even getting a free lunch)
Let’s face it, being a substitute teacher is like being a stand-up comedian – you have to be ready for anything. One minute you’re teaching Shakespeare, the next you’re explaining the intricacies of quadratic equations, and then, bam, you’re thrust into the world of AP Exams.
So, you’re a substitute teacher, and the AP Exam is looming. You’re thinking, “Wait, I’m just a temp! What am I supposed to do?” Well, fear not, my fellow substitute superstar. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming an AP Exam proctor, and maybe even earn you a free lunch (or at least a heartfelt “thank you” from the AP coordinator).
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Can a substitute teacher actually proctor an AP Exam?
Well, the answer is a resounding YES! (cue the confetti and the celebratory dance). But, before you start picturing yourself in a fancy suit and tie, ready to command the room like a seasoned proctor, there are a few important factors to consider.
1. The College Board’s “Who’s Who” of Proctoring:
The College Board has a pretty strict set of rules about who can and cannot proctor an AP Exam. Think of it like a high-stakes game of “Who’s Who?” with a dash of “Clue.” Here’s the breakdown:
- You’re off-limits, Family! The College Board doesn’t want any hint of favoritism, so you can’t proctor an AP Exam if you have a family member taking the same exam. Think of it as a “no nepotism” policy for standardized testing.
- No Teaching the Subject? No Problem! The College Board doesn’t require you to be a seasoned AP teacher to be a proctor. Even if you’ve never cracked open an AP Calculus textbook, you can still be the rockstar proctor of the exam.
- The Substitute Teacher Advantage: The College Board loves flexibility, and that’s where you come in! As a substitute teacher, you’re the epitome of flexibility – ready to jump in and take on any challenge, even if it involves proctoring an AP exam on short notice.
2. The AP Course Audit – Your Secret Weapon:
Now, let’s talk about the AP Course Audit. It’s like the Hogwarts Express of AP exams – a magical portal that gives you access to all the resources you need to become a proctoring pro. But how do you get access to this secret society of AP knowledge?
- Step 1: The College Board Professional Account. The first thing you’ll need is a College Board Professional account. Think of it as your “proctoring passport” – a gateway to the world of AP exams.
- Step 2: The My Account or My Dashboard. Once you’ve logged in, you’ll see the magic words: “My Account” or “My Dashboard.” Click on that, and you’ll be whisked away to a world of AP resources.
- Step 3: The “Get Access” Button. Now, you’ll need to find the “Add Additional Tools and Services” section. It’s like a hidden treasure chest filled with AP goodies. Look for the “AP Course Audit” option and click on “Get Access.”
3. The “Substitute Teacher” Special: Proctoring with Confidence:
Now that you’ve got your AP Course Audit access, you’re a proctoring superstar in the making. Here’s what you need to do to make sure your proctoring experience is smooth sailing:
- Download Those Practice Exams! The AP Course Audit has a treasure trove of practice exams for each AP subject. Download those bad boys and get familiar with the format, the types of questions, and the overall layout. You’ll be a proctoring guru in no time!
- The Secure Documents Link – Your Proctoring Handbook! Don’t forget to check out the “Secure Documents” link in the Resources section of your AP Course Audit account. This is your official proctoring handbook – a must-read for any aspiring AP proctor.
- The “I’m Ready!” Button. Once you’ve got a good handle on the AP exam format and the proctoring guidelines, you’re ready to rock the proctoring world.
4. The “Substitute Teacher” Bonus: Earning Your Stripes (and Maybe a Free Lunch)
Proctoring an AP Exam is not just about ensuring a fair and secure testing environment; it’s also about helping students feel confident and supported. Here’s how you can go above and beyond:
- Be the “Calm in the Storm” Proctor. Remember, these students are stressed, and they’re facing a high-stakes exam. Be the calming presence they need – a friendly face and a supportive voice.
- The “I’m Here to Help” Attitude. Students may have questions about the exam format or the procedures. Be ready to answer their questions with patience and clarity.
- The “I Deserve a Free Lunch” Moment. You’ve gone above and beyond, you’ve ensured a smooth and fair testing environment, and you’ve provided support and guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask the AP Coordinator for a free lunch (or a heartfelt “thank you”).
In Conclusion:
Proctoring an AP Exam might seem intimidating, but with the right guidance and preparation, you can be the rockstar proctor that students remember. Remember, your flexibility and willingness to learn will make you an invaluable asset to the AP Exam process. And who knows, maybe you’ll even earn a free lunch along the way.
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