WeTeach_CS Summit 2025: Full Schedule

June 9-10, 2025
Renaissance Austin Hotel - 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
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10:00am CDT

Strengthen Real World Experiences in CS Classrooms through an Equity Externship at Google

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

San Marcos

Join us for an inspiring session on the CS Equity Externship, a partnership among NYC Men Teach, CS4All NYC, and Future Ready NYC. Learn how teachers gain firsthand experience at Google and transform these insights into culturally responsive classroom projects. This initiative empowers students with the knowledge and social capital for college and career success. Don’t miss this chance to bridge education and the tech industry, inspiring future technology leaders from historically underrepresented groups!

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

Presenters

Zuobin Tang

Program Manager, New York City Public Schools

Richard Haynes

Director of School Support, New York City Public Schools

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
San Marcos

Broadening Participation, K-12

10:00am CDT

What is on the Horizon for Accessibility

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Guadalupe (Upstairs)

Many students with disabilities face many challenges when trying to learn CS/Cybersecurity. In this session we will review the new ADA Title 2 rule from the Department of Justice titled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities” and its impact on CS/Cybersecurity. We will review and demonstrate several of the affordances the students with disabilities use to access computers. We will review accessible programming environments and curricula.

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

Presenters

Richard Ladner

Professor Emeritus, University of Washington

Talk to me about how to make your computer science course accessible and welcoming to students with disabilities.

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Guadalupe (Upstairs)

Broadening Participation, K-12

11:15am CDT

Crack the Code, Unlock Potential: Attracting and Retaining Young Women to CS Programs

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Trinity A

Participants will explore best practices to increase the success of students in their Computer Science programs. This session will cover identifying and addressing potential barriers through researched-based initiatives such as mentorship opportunities and fostering a welcoming community. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and resources to implement in their institutions.

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

Presenters

Margaret Willett

Secondary Computer Science Teacher, Westside High School, Houston ISD

I have been teaching Computer Science in High School for 9 years. I worked in industry for 13 years prior to becoming a teacher. I attended North Carolina State University earning a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering. I advocate women studying and pursuing... Read More →

Jacqueline Tellez-Jack

Assistant Principal | Career & Tech Education Administrator, Houston ISD

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Trinity A

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

11:15am CDT

Life is Just a Classroom (Taylor's Version)

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

San Marcos

How I use Taylor Swift in my computer science classroom to shake off stereotypes + promote belonging + cultivate community.

No matter if you're a die-hard Swiftie or have a blank space when it comes to her music, this session offers fresh & engaging approaches to enrich the CS classroom experience for *all* students. In this presentation, I will share my experiences & strategies for integrating Taylor Swift lyrics, musical references, & easter eggs into the CS classroom to promote belonging & cultivate community. Come prepared to engage, reflect, & leave with innovative tools to inspire your students & make your classroom a place where everyone can "shake off" the stereotypes & be seen.

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

Presenters

Seneca Hart

AP Computer Science Teacher, Coppell ISD

Former speciality retail manager and entrepreneur turned computer science educator with a passion for solving problems, closing the STEM gender gap, and making an impact with meaningful work. Also, an MBA trying to impart a bit more business sense and methodology into the world of... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
San Marcos

Broadening Participation, High School

1:30pm CDT

Why Sense of Belonging Matters (And How to Increase It)

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Nueces (Upstairs)

Building students’ sense of belonging is critical to recruiting, engaging, and retaining them in computer science (CS). When students feel they belong, they are ready to engage on a deeper level. However, girls often feel they do not belong in CS classes. Our research lab has been studying when and why these gender gaps emerge in CS to help teachers address them. Teachers will be presented with research findings in a simple, actionable, and fun way to discuss in a community of practice. Teachers will leave with an action plan to promote their students' belonging.

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

Presenters

Summer Robinson

Graduate Student/Research Assistant, University of Houston

Hi, my name is Summer Robinson! I am a Ph.D. student in the Measurement, Quantitative Methods, and Learning Sciences program at the University of Houston. I am an educator with experience as a classroom teacher, creating video lessons for local television, and a district-level instructional... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Nueces (Upstairs)

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