Hey all, I’ve been teaching Middle School Computer Science the past 2 years and this year I’m taking on AP CSP…wondering if there’s a buddy in here that wants to connect to support each other. While I’m a tech person and know I can handle it - I am nervous about what I don’t know that I don’t know in this first year. I want to do the best for the students.
Any support or points of reference are appreciated.
Looking forward to connecting.
VaNessa
Right here with ya! Teaching is my second career, after 20 years in corporate world (mostly travel/airline automation) so I’m comfortable with most of the concepts but not always prepared to teach those concepts.
I am a high school math teacher teaching our school’s inaugural class of AP CSP - I’m excited by this curriculum, but very nervous about delivering it in a timely fashion. Would love to check in with folks. - Wendy Menard
I’m like Ron. I’ve come from the IT infrastructure side of the house. I’ve used most of the concepts regularly, but many of the Code.org CSP exercises and instructions can be pretty esoteric so it’s still a challenge knowing the goal and intent of them.
We’ve made it to Chapter 2 and I’ve started connecting the dots so it’s easier to lead the students to the conclusions we’re trying to get them to figure out without point-blank telling them.
This is my first “real” course so I’m still exploring a lot of new territory. Also happy to connect with you all!
yup first year teaching
Also first year teaching AP CSP. I teach a 90 minute, 5 days a week class and I’m having a really hard time keeping pace. I believe I should be at lesson 1.14 as of today (9/4), but am only at lesson 1.10. I feel myself falling further and further behind. I am not teaching this class as a full AP course, although I am using the curriculum as if I am. If push comes to shove, which unit can I skip and come back to if I have time? Thanks for the anticipated replies to this complete noob!
I’m right there with you also, however, I really feel out of my league. I’m very comfortable teaching the Discovery curriculum however, I am fumbling through this. I could also use some support 
This is my first year teaching too. I’m not feeling very confident also my class is very small which is a blessing, however, for the activities, there is not a lot of energy which is not good.
I am excited to hear from each of you. I am starting Unit 1 Lesson 1 today. I only have 5 students as we are a small school.Do we want to use this thread to support each other? I could really use the help. I don’t know the forum rules fully. I know it will be helpful to have others to talk - I’m most worried about pacing and prepping the students for the AP test.
This is my first year too and I have no experience with computer science. The first few days have been fun though! I have taught math for over 20 years, but have focused on statistics. Tomorrow I am teaching U1 L3 and am very nervous about it because I don’t really understand this simulator!!! Any advice?
@vanessaduplessie I think this is a great idea!!! This is exactly what the forum is intended for! Feel free to use this thread or other threads to ask questions! The forum is moderated by experienced AP CSP teachers and there are tons of other teachers who comment on posts as they feel moved too. Code.org curriculum writers also make appearances here too so there’s tons of support here for you!
@kelly.downs I totally understand that not having experienced the internet simulator can be a bit overwhelming. My first year I enlisted my roommate or significant other many times to “practice” with them the night before. There are also videos that demonstrate the simulator working that might be helpful.
Finally, I would also suggest “duplicating” the internet simulator tab by right clicking on the tab and selecting “duplicate”. Then you can connect to yourself and test it out yourself. That is another way you can do a little pre-exploring before students come in.
Hope some of those ideas help!
KT
Thank you @kaitie_o_bryan ! The lesson actually went very well. The kids got it (better than me!) and they said it was fun.
VaNessa,
I’ll be teaching this course in SY1920, so I’m watching this forum like a hawk. I hope you are fairing well and looking forward to learning from and with you!
Thanks,
Erik
Hi Erik,
It has been an absolute blast. And we are just completing unit 4. The curriculum is excellently spelled out and easy to follow. It wasn’t as scary as I thought it was going to be 
If you have any questions or need any help let me know. I believe I will be an even better teacher next year for this class.
My kids are very forgiving and we are working through things together. They know it is my first year with the curriculum and I told them we are in this together.
Have a great upcoming break!
VaNessa
Vanessa,
Thanks! I’m visiting a school nearby that is in the first year of the program so I am hoping to hit them up with many questions.
I’ll certainly pick your brain no doubt as I’m excited and scared (a bit) all at once …
Have good and well deserved break yourself!
Erik
Hi everyone,
Another newbie here. And like most of you, I am nervous about doing my best for my students. I have a full weekly teaching schedule, so I am struggling to complete the teacher PD.
Specific questions:
Hey. I will certainly be coming to you when I get stuck.
Hi @yobeng,
Welcome to CS Principles! Yes, there is a pacing guide within each curriculum unit. Click the blue “View Calendar” box and then select how many minutes per week you see your students to get an idea of how the lessons should go.
It is best practice to actively engage with the students in the lessons. You should teach them the material as laid out in the curriculum & be in the room to talk through issues they are facing. You should print handouts & use manipulatives with the students where needed in the lesson plans. I would not making it a free-for-all because this leads to students getting lost & confused. This self-paced Professional Learning module will get you started with the best tips for how to manage the class with your students. You might also consider reaching out to your Regional Partner to ask about the training program for next summer.
Best of luck!
–Michael K.
Hello,
Thanks for the reply. I have limited access to printing in my school, so I am looking for ways around that.
