WeTeach_CS Summit 2025

The "Programming the Acceleration of Computing and Equity" (PACE) program promotes access to computer science education for all middle school students through a collaborative, sustainable, pathway approach. Through representative-based District Stakeholder Councils and other tools and structures, the program focuses on local CS needs, such as engaging more girls and building programs in rural communities. This session highlights these tools and strategies to establish standards-based pathways bridging middle and high school. Attendees will receive access to free resources and will engage in a data exercise, with the goal of empowering them to replicate PACE's success in their own communities. 

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Everyone. No prior knowledge required.

Byte, bug, boot, bot - how do educators provide the support needed for both the technical and academic language demands within a CS classroom? Nearly 20% of K-12 public school students in Texas are classified as English Learners yet they are one of the most underrepresented student populations within Computer Science education.

Join us for a hands-on introduction to 'CSforEL' - a CSTA program that leverages inclusive instructional strategies to close gaps and support both content and language skills for ELs in CS.

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Everyone. No prior knowledge required.

Join Code/Art for a dynamic workshop that explores the exciting blend of art and coding to make computer science more accessible and appealing. Participants will engage in a hands-on self-portrait lesson using JavaScript. They will also learn techniques for classroom implementation, explore a gallery of student-coded portraits, and learn about Code/Art’s self-portrait coding competition for girls. This single lesson offers a powerful way for educators to shape students' perceptions of computer science, fostering creativity and inclusion in CS. This workshop is designed for grade 3-12 educators, especially art and computer science teachers.

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Everyone. No prior knowledge required.

In this session, we will center on tools for multilingual learners, while also focusing on the components of professional development that support CS programs and allow participation of students whose first language is Spanish. We will also discuss important aspects of community involvement and professional development, providing tools and best practices to support CS programs. We will share about the effect of Cognitive Load Theory on multilingual learners, sharing tools that can alleviate that load. Lastly, we will share how technology can help engage multilingual households and how we can support them in their learners’ CS journey. 

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Everyone. No prior knowledge required.

In this session, I will go over the NCWIT aspirations and computing stem competition. I will cover general information about how to participate along with sharing some results on the trajectory of past winners into the field of computer science. 

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Everyone. No prior knowledge required.

This panel of professionals in diverse computer science related careers will discuss the unique and sometimes non-traditional pathways they’ve taken to careers which leverage high performance computing. Educators will learn how they can support students with greater interest in fields such as life sciences for careers which depend on fluency in computational sciences. Educator strategies for broadening the aperture of who participates in high school computer science from the AWSM in CS project will also be discussed.

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Everyone. No prior knowledge required.

The purpose of this presentation is to promote and support increased female representation in computer science programs within schools by identifying barriers, discussing successful initiatives, and highlighting the importance of
diverse perspectives in tech. This presentation will explore ways educators, administrators, and communities can encourage young women to pursue computer science, fostering an environment where all students feel motivated, supported, and empowered to engage and excel in the field.

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Everyone. No prior knowledge required.

Discover how culturally responsive teaching transforms classrooms into spaces where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered. This session, led by Victor Hicks and Yaritza Villalba, explores practical strategies for incorporating students’ cultural identities into STEM and computer science instruction. Participants will learn to design lessons that leverage representation and relevance to boost engagement and achievement in CS and beyond. Real-world examples from Coding with Culture and McKenzie’s Adventures will illustrate how educators can use students’ unique experiences to broaden participation and bridge gaps in STEM education.

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Everyone. No prior knowledge required.

This workshop is designed to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for new and early career computer science (CS) educators. Participants will be able to connect with peers, share experiences and learn from experts in the field. The workshop will tackle common challenges new CS teachers face, present practical strategies for effective instruction, and explore resources to support professional development.
 
The workshop provides opportunities for participants to learn from and collaborate with their peers, sharing best practices and strategies for effective CS instruction. The networking activities allow participants to connect with other CS educators, building relationships and expanding their professional networks.

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Everyone. No prior knowledge required.