WeTeach_CS Summit 2025: Full Schedule

June 9-10, 2025
Renaissance Austin Hotel - 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
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9:45am CDT

CSfoEL: Empowering English Learners within Computer Science

Monday June 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Nueces

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.

Presenters

Devon Marano

Lead Facilitator, CSTA

I consider myself a 'compulsive hand raiser' - eagerly volunteering for workshops, committees, grad school, and any other professional learning opportunity that comes my way. From 2014 - 2024, I taught at a Title 1 school in San Diego. During my 2nd year, despite having virtually... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Nueces

Broadening Participation, High School

12:45pm CDT

CS and Multilingual Learners: Curriculum, Professional Development, and Community Engagement

Monday June 9, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

Nueces

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.

Presenters

Rudy Escobar

STEM and Computer Science Coordinator, Stanislaus County Office of Education

Rudy is a STEM Coordinator committed to drive impactful contributions across communities with a proven track record in education, specializing in Computer Science and Science, Coaching, as well as STEM PreK-12 Education, Artificial Intelligence, Physical Computing, Robotics, Curriculum... Read More →

Sofia De Jesús

Associate Program Manager, CMU CS Academy

BlueSky(https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdygeek.bsky.social) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-de-jesus-m-s-7b637415/)

Monday June 9, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Nueces

Broadening Participation, Middle School and High School (Grades 6-12)

2:00pm CDT

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Empowering Students Through Representation and Relevance

Monday June 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Nueces

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.

Presenters

Victor Hicks

Founder & CEO, Coding with Culture

Victor “Coach” Hicks is a nationally recognized computer science educator, curriculum developer, and cultural strategist dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, culturally responsive STEM education for Black and Brown youth. As the founder and director of Coding with Culture... Read More →

Yaritza (Ja-Reet-Zah) Villalba

CEO & Founder, McKenzie's Adventures

Yaritza Villalba is an award-winning global Education Consultant, Speaker, and the CEO of McKenzie’s Adventures. With over a decade of experience, she is dedicated to creating an equitable and inclusive educational landscape. Yaritza's innovative approach has earned her the prestigious... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Nueces

Broadening Participation, K-12