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

Power of the Portrait: Art Meets Code to Inspire Girls in CS

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

Trinity A

Join Code/Art for a dynamic workshop that explores the exciting blend of art and coding to make computer science more accessible and appealing. Participants will engage in a hands-on self-portrait lesson using JavaScript. They will also learn techniques for classroom implementation, explore a gallery of student-coded portraits, and learn about Code/Art’s self-portrait coding competition for girls. This single lesson offers a powerful way for educators to shape students' perceptions of computer science, fostering creativity and inclusion in CS. This workshop is designed for grade 3-12 educators, especially art and computer science teachers.

Presenters

Amy Renshaw

CEO and Founder, Code/Art

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

Lisa Hauser

Chief Learning Officer, Code/Art

Lisa Hauser is the Chief Learning Officer at Code/Art with over 24 years of experience teaching computer science and mathematics in Miami public schools. A passionate advocate for increasing female representation in tech, Lisa was instrumental in launching Code/Art, driven by her... Read More →

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

Broadening Participation, K-12

12:45pm CDT

Creativity and Innovation: Developing Mental Models to Incorporate the Design Process K-5

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

Trinity A

Presenters

Joseph Vega

Elementary CS Education Specialist, TACC

I joined TACC in February 2025 as an Elementary Computer Science Education Specialist. I previously served as a bilingual Spanish educator and instructional coach with Pflugerville ISD. My experience includes leading teacher improvement initiatives, designing professional learning... Read More →

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

Integrating Computational Thinking / Computer Science / Cybersecurity into other subjects, K-5

2:00pm CDT

ComputeHer Science: Amplifying the Female Voice in CS

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

Trinity A

The purpose of this presentation is to promote and support increased female representation in computer science programs within schools by identifying barriers, discussing successful initiatives, and highlighting the importance of
diverse perspectives in tech. This presentation will explore ways educators, administrators, and communities can encourage young women to pursue computer science, fostering an environment where all students feel motivated, supported, and empowered to engage and excel in the field.

Presenters

Michelle Shomo Pierce

5-8 Computer Science Teacher, Mallard Creek STEM Academy

http://dot.cards/michelleshomopierce

Ebonie Campbell

CTE Teacher, Maury High School

https://www.instagram.com/eacampbell58/?hl=en

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

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

10:00am CDT

Create a Successful UIL Computer Science Program

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

Trinity A

Learn how to create and maintain a successful UIL Computer Science program. Includes: how the contest works, where to get materials, how to recruit, how to run an after school practice, where to find additional competitions other than district, the UIL Java Topic List, etc.

Presenters

Delta McFarland

Teacher, Needville ISD

Delta McFarland is a Computer Science teacher at Needville High School. She has taught for 42 years and plans to keep on teaching. Her passion is exposing students to the world of Computer Science and to help with that exposure she has created a four year Computer Science pathway... Read More →

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

Advanced Computer Science, High School

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.

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)

1:30pm CDT

AP Career Kickstart - What is this?

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

Trinity A

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.

Presenters

Sylvia Wood

Cybersecurity and Computer Science Teacher, St. Dominic Savio CHS

My teaching journey began in the Apple IIe Era. I became fascinated by these machines. In my many years of being in the classroom, I can count on one hand how many were NOT in a computer lab.As computers/devices have evolved, so has my teaching from a "sage on the stage" to a facilitator/guide... Read More →

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

Cybersecurity, High School