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

Harmonizing Identity and Innovation: Using AI as a Tool to Create Self-Expression Through Music

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

Nueces (Upstairs)

Discover how AI can help learners create personalized music that reflects their unique identities. This session integrates the TEKS for Computer Science to showcase how AI can foster creativity, inclusivity, and belonging. This session will highlight creative ways to integrate art into CS classes to foster a deeper sense of CS belonging. Participants will gain hands-on experience with AI tools, practical strategies for classroom implementation, and resources to enhance student engagement through culturally meaningful music creation. Participants will gain strategies for integrating AI-powered tools into their curriculum to enhance student engagement, promote computational thinking, and cultivate cultural awareness.

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

Presenters

Keya Belt Robinson

Program Design and Innovation Manager, National Math and Science Initiative

Michelle Stie

VP, Program Design & Innovation, National Math and Science Initiative

I oversee a national STEM teacher development program designed to support teacher and student success in advanced STEM classrooms.

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

Integrating Computational Thinking / Computer Science / Cybersecurity into other subjects, Middle School and High School (Grades 6-12)

11:15am CDT

Coding Through Music: Engaging Students from Elementary to High School

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

Nueces (Upstairs)

Discover how to integrate music and computer science to engage students of all ages in coding. This session explores Code.org’s Music Lab for introducing loops, variables, and algorithms in elementary classrooms, as well as EarSketch, which uses Python and JavaScript for advanced music production in middle and high school. Participants will gain hands-on experience coding musical compositions, fostering computational thinking and creativity. Learn how these tools make CS accessible and meaningful, breaking barriers to participation in STEM.

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

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 →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Nueces (Upstairs)

Integrating Computational Thinking / Computer Science / Cybersecurity into other subjects, K-12

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)