WeTeach_CS Summit 2025: Full Schedule

June 9-10, 2025
Renaissance Austin Hotel - 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
Click HERE to access the WTCS Summit registration page

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9:45am CDT

Introducing Physical Computing Inputs and Outputs to Young Learners

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

Bluebonnet (Upstairs)

Young learners (ages 4+) can now learn computer science using a simple physical computing device that introduces the concept of inputs and outputs in the real world. Learners can bring their coding projects to life by interacting with the physical world. The Cog device connects to tablets or computers over Bluetooth, and includes programmable multicolor lights, a speaker, motion sensor, light sensor, IR sensors, and a push-button. The Cog can be programmed using junior blocks with pictures or traditional blocks with words. Come get hands-on and learn how to bring your creativity to life using this simple, fun device.

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

Presenters

Judy Lau

CS PD Coordinator, Texas Advanced Computing Center

Judy joined TACC and EPIC as a Computer Science Professional Development Coordinator in October 2022 where she develops interactive and engaging curricula that aligns to the K-8 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Technology Applications as it relates to computer science, computational... Read More →

Hal Speed

Head of North America, Robotical

https://www.linkedin.com/in/halspeed

Monday June 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Bluebonnet (Upstairs)

Physical Computing, K-5

12:45pm CDT

Humans In The Loop: A Deep Dive Into Human-AI Collaborative Development

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

Bluebonnet (Upstairs)

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence has many questioning the future of human software engineering. Equipping students with the skills to effectively employ AI technologies in Human-AI partnerships is critical for their future success.

Join our hands-on session as we explore the intersections between human general intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs). We will examine how concepts such as machine learning, natural language processing, and chain of thought reasoning augment human skills. Additionally, we will reinforce the vital role of human programmers and developers in mitigating AI risk and ensuring ethical compliance with pre-established goals.

This session culminates with a Human-AI collaborative coding project, providing you with practical tools to empower your students to implement AI assisted software development projects.

Discover how to prepare the next generation of developers for a collaborative future with AI.

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

Presenters

Indi Marie Williams

Instructional Designer and Technology Manager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/indi-marie-williams-741153b3/

Monday June 9, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Bluebonnet (Upstairs)

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Middle School and High School (Grades 6-12)

2:00pm CDT

Cybersecurity and Computer Science Industry-Based Certifications

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

Bluebonnet (Upstairs)

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.

Presenters

Fred Lover

Professor, Assistant Department Chair, Austin Community College

linkedin.com/in/fredlover

Monday June 9, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Bluebonnet (Upstairs)

Cybersecurity, K-12 Counselors and/or Administrators

10:00am CDT

Transforming Science Classrooms with AI: Innovations and Applications

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

Bluebonnet (Upstairs)

Explore how AI can revolutionize science education through hands-on activities, interactive simulations, and personalized learning tools. This session will demonstrate practical applications, showcase successful classroom integrations, and align with current educational standards. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance student engagement, improve scientific inquiry skills, and tailor instruction to diverse learning needs using AI technologies. Join us to transform your science teaching practice with cutting-edge AI innovations.

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

Presenters

Brittany Templeton

Assistant Director for Computer Science and Mathematics, Rice University Office of STEM Engagement

Matthew Cushing

Executive Director, Rice University Office of STEM Engagement

Passionate about all things STEM related, but especially about AI in Education!

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

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, K-12

11:15am CDT

Cyber Guardians: A Role-Playing Game (RPG) for Teaching Cybersecurity

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

Bluebonnet (Upstairs)

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.

Presenters

Edgar Garza

Senior Training Coordinator, Texas Advanced Computing Center

Edgar joined TACC in November 2018. He is responsible for curriculum development and instruction, outreach, training, and program implementation for TACC's Education and Outreach K-12 events. Since 2008, Edgar has continued to work with and for students and their families to ensure... Read More →

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

Cybersecurity, Middle School and High School (Grades 6-12)

1:30pm CDT

Row, Row, Row your Code: Navigating the Streams of Making Music on the TI Innovator Hub

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

Bluebonnet (Upstairs)

Embark on a musical voyage exploring the TI Innovator Hub and its potential to foster computational thinking in students. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to program the TI Innovator Hub to perform simple melodies, transforming familiar children's songs into engaging coding challenges. Through hands-on activities, collaborative learning, and multiple languages, educators will discover how to integrate music and coding to introduce fundamental concepts like loops and variables. Leave equipped with new strategies and resources to orchestrate engaging learning experiences that harmonize technology, music, and computational thinking in your classroom.

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

Presenters

Bridget Streeb

Teacher, Lufkin ISD

Lorelei Cummings

Teacher, Lufkin ISD

English Major turned Science Teacher with 20+ years in the classroom gives Lorelei Cummings a unique perspective that resembles Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor, Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief. She strives for fun, engaging, informative presentations that are easily implemented... Read More →

Travis Garcia

Teacher, Lufkin ISD

High school science and STEM educator based in East Texas. My background is in geology (B.S.) and I have a passion for integrating computer science and technology in the classroom. Always looking for ways to bridge the gap between traditional sciences and emerging fields. I'm excited... Read More →

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

Physical Computing, Middle School and High School (Grades 6-12)