More than 1,600 educators from across Texas, the nation and around the globe gathered through Rice University this summer as the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies’ Center for College Readiness kicked off its annual Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI).

APSI provides a focused, single-week professional development experience for both new and experienced Advanced Placement (AP) teachers. Participants select one of three distinct session weeks to complete their training: those enrolled in Week 1 attend in-person workshops on the Rice campus July 14-17, while those selecting Week 2 or Week 3 participate in fully online sessions July 20-24 and July 27-31, respectively.

The premier long-standing program, which equips teachers with strategies and curriculum insights for rigorous AP instruction, saw robust turnout across all formats. Week 1 alone drew an enrollment of 583 educators to campus, contributing to a total institute enrollment of 1,648 across all three weeks. Excluding 2021 — a unique post-pandemic year in which Rice stood out as one of the few institutions offering APSI online — this year’s Week 1 on-campus participation represents the strongest in-person turnout the institute has achieved in eight years.

"Seeing hundreds of dedicated educators gather on our campus is a powerful reminder of the impact the Glasscock School has on preK-12 education,” said Brenda Rangel, Ed.D., assistant dean at the Glasscock School and director of the Rice Center for Education, which houses the Center for College Readiness. “By expanding our course offerings and welcoming teachers from across the globe, both in person and online, we are actively strengthening the educational pathways that prepare students for higher education and beyond. Every teacher trained here translates directly into classrooms full of students empowered to succeed.”

Expanding On-Campus Options and Innovative Curricula

To meet growing demand from districts seeking face-to-face engagement during Week 1, the Center for College Readiness expanded its on-campus lineup, offering 26 in-person courses.

Among the highlights of this year’s on-campus curriculum was AP Business with Personal Finance, a brand-new College Board course offering that rapidly reached its maximum capacity of 30 participants. Additionally, the institute introduced AP Music Theory in person for the first time since 2019. The hands-on, collaborative atmosphere of the musical workshop resonated strongly with attending teachers, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and network alongside peers on campus.

The institute also responded to district requests by bringing back several popular in-person subject tracks for Week 1 participants, including:

• AP Spanish Language and Culture for Experienced Teachers
• AP European History for New Teachers
• AP English Literature for Experienced Teachers
• AP English Language for Experienced Teachers

At the same time, the Center for College Readiness reaffirmed its commitment to mission-driven, high-impact coursework by continuing to host AP African American Studies on campus, one of the College Board's newer offerings. While not among the largest subjects by enrollment, institute leadership emphasized that offering the course aligns with Rice’s dedication to supporting curricula that make a profound, oversized impact on students' lives and cultural understanding.

Participant Perspectives: In Their Own Words

Beyond the impressive enrollment figures and expanded course offerings, the true impact of the institute was reflected in the enthusiastic response from attending educators. Across both the Week 1 on-campus workshops and the virtual sessions that followed in Weeks 2 and 3, participants highlighted the transformative nature of the training, citing the consultants' expertise, the practical classroom strategies gained and the invaluable sense of professional community fostered throughout the week. Their firsthand experiences underscore why teachers from across Texas and around the world consistently choose Rice's Center for College Readiness for their professional growth.

A Selection of Participant Feedback

• “The most valuable part of the program was the abundance of subject-specific resources and practical teaching frameworks provided. Having access to high-quality lesson plans and targeted exam preparation techniques has dramatically streamlined my curriculum planning. This has significantly boosted my confidence as an AP Spanish Literature educator, allowing me to bring fresh, engaging digital tools and real-world examples directly to my students.”
  
• “I had high expectations coming into this week, and it did not disappoint. The instructor was very helpful and highly effective. Great collaboration with fellow peer educators.”
  
• “The people in the program made it an outstanding experience. The instructor was highly effective, knowledgeable, and always willing to support and encourage participants. I had a great time throughout the program and learned a lot from both the instructor and my fellow participants. I also made new friends and connected with colleagues who brought a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives. These connections made the program even more meaningful and enriching.”
  
• “It was really impactful, it really changed my perspective, and I feel more secure and ready for my next year.”
  
• “This was nothing short of transformative. I have been introduced to so many new resources and so many ways to instruct the content. The instructor made me feel like I have never taught a good lesson in my life and it was so exciting to learn from someone who was clearly a master of their craft. Worth every penny for the physical resources alone, but the instructor's knowledge and experience were worth many times that.”
  
• “We had an uproariously good time. The light air of the classroom, as led by the instructor, kept me engaged.”
  
• “I highly recommend both the online training and the in-person workshops. The online sessions offer incredible flexibility and high-quality, practical digital materials, while the in-person experience provides invaluable networking opportunities and dynamic, face-to-face collaboration with fellow educators. Both formats are deeply rewarding and will thoroughly prepare you for the classroom.”
  
• “This was the best experience I have had in all of my 24 years of teaching. Amazing experience.”

Building a lasting network of educator-leaders

Through both in-person collaboration on the historic Rice campus and the broad reach of online learning, the Advanced Placement Summer Institute continues to elevate secondary education standards worldwide. As another successful institute season concludes, the Glasscock School remains steadfast in its mission to empower educators, strengthen college readiness and shape the future of student success across the globe.

"The growth we’re seeing in our Advanced Placement Summer Institute speaks to the quality of our instructional team and the value teachers place on the Rice experience,” said David Johnston, director of the Center for College Readiness. “Whether bringing in cutting-edge pilot courses like AP Business with Personal Finance, bringing back critical subjects for veteran educators or supporting transformative courses like AP African American Studies, our goal is to provide teachers with the tools, confidence and community they need to inspire their students.”

To learn more about Rice’s Center for College Readiness, visit: collegeready.rice.edu.