WeTeach_CS Summit 2025

Step into the cybersphere with Frank Hall—better known as The Cyber Viking—for an exciting dive into the world of cybersecurity competitions. In this session, we’ll explore a variety of cyber competitions that span both defensive and offensive skillsets, from CyberPatriot to collegiate-style red team/blue team challenges. Then we’ll break down how to build your own Capture the Flag (CTF) platform—a versatile tool for classroom learning, competition prep, or as an interactive way to assess students’ mastery of cybersecurity topics like OSINT, cryptography, steganography, and more. Whether you teach cybersecurity or computer science, you’ll leave with practical strategies to sharpen students’ critical thinking skills—and have a little fun while doing it.

Prepare your students for cybersecurity careers by exploring the foundational principles of NIST 800-171, a critical standard for safeguarding sensitive information. This session will equip high school educators with the knowledge to teach students about Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), compliance requirements, and best practices in data security. Learn how to connect industry standards to classroom instruction, inspire students to pursue cybersecurity pathways, and engage with real-world scenarios that demonstrate the importance of protecting data in today’s digital world.

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Intermediate.

Dive into the world of computer networks with Wireshark Fundamentals, a hands-on introduction to the ultimate tool for exploring packets and protocols. Designed for high school students, educators, and enthusiasts, this engaging one-hour session will guide you through installing, running, and using Wireshark to uncover the hidden language of the internet. Learn how data travels, troubleshoot basic issues, and discover the role of network analysis in cybersecurity—all in a way that’s fun, practical, and easy to follow. No prior experience is necessary; just bring your curiosity and a laptop if you wish!

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Novice, Intermediate, Expert.

In today's Cyber digital age, cybersecurity skills are in high demand across all industries. By obtaining a cybersecurity certification, our students can greatly enhance their career and academic prospects, positioning themselves as valuable assets to potential employers and universities. Early involvement in cybersecurity will keep them ahead of the curve, especially as cybersecurity and AI become critical economic indicators.

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

From SOC to C-Suite: Real-World Perspectives on the Future of Cybersecurity Education.

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

Explore effectively implementing a cybersecurity RPG to engage students in real-world cybersecurity challenges. This session will guide educators through the RPG structure, focusing on crucial cybersecurity concepts and skills. Participants will learn to facilitate this interactive experience, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and team collaboration, providing students with a practical, hands-on approach to cybersecurity.

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Novice, Intermediate, Expert.

The session will introduce this new initiative from the College Board. The Career Kickstart program is meant to give students career experiences in high school. The first strand is Cybersecurity. The session will focus on the courses that are offered in the Cybersecurity strand and how they can be placed into a program of study or course sequence.

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

Join the 2024 National CyberPatriot Semifinals participants and club leaders for an engaging session, as well as the current Texas state champion CyberPatriot team who will share their journey to the National Finals in Bethesda, Maryland. Through this student-led panel, attendees will gain insights into effective recruitment strategies, competition preparation, and effective training procedures. Learn how these young cybersecurity experts approached challenges like securing VM images, designing virtual network architectures, and mastering essential security knowledge. The session will also feature a live demonstration of competition scenarios and a Q&A with the champions and leaders.

CS and/or Cybersecurity Content Knowledge Level Required: Novice, Intermediate, Expert.