WeTeach_CS is holding a virtual certification prep workshop from July 27 through July 29. It will provide an overview of the educator competencies required of all teachers to become certified in Grades 8-12 Computer Science. This certification is necessary to teach courses such as Computer Science I, II or III, and AP Computer Science A. It can also be used to teach Fundamentals of Computer Science and AP Computer Science Principles. Course instructors will address several competencies in depth and link attendees to additional resources that will help to prepare them to challenge the TExES CS 8-12 (241) certification test. Pricing increases as of September 1st for the virtual, in-person, and online certification prep offerings. Register here today!
Also - don't forget to apply for the Certification Incentive Stipend! WeTeach_CS manages the Certification Incentive Program (CIP) that provides a $1000 stipend for Texas teachers who pass the CS 8-12 Test and obtain TEA CS certification. Hopefully, the stipend will help motivate you in your studies, and it will be a nice reward for your hard work! More information can be found here. Please note that applications for the incentive program are due before testing.
XPRIZE - CODE GAMES
Code Games: A Global Game-Making Challenge is an inaugural project from XPRIZE Connect, a new learning initiative from XPRIZE. Code Games is a learning opportunity for students ages 10-18 to grasp the core concepts of game creation and develop math, coding, and design skills, all while creating exciting new games. Because this project was created to reach young minds at all levels of game making, this is more of an opportunity to cultivate independent learning rather than a strictly prescribed course of study.
Code Games is providing free resources for self-directed children and forward-thinking educators who are looking to infuse new ways to learn in their curriculum. With challenge tracks designed for learners at all stages, including a written track for entry-level designers who want to design game concepts and tracks for game development across multiple game-making platforms, the possibilities are endless. Entrants have the opportunity to win one of multiple $1,000 prizes all while imagining the future they want to create. Registration is open and the submission window closes October 14, 2020. Learn more and register here.
FREE PROGRAMMING & AI TRAINING FOR K-12 TEACHERS
Master AI/Auto Auto is offering a free summer learning series for K12 teachers (or other educators) interested in bringing Python Programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their classrooms. The first session was recorded and available now. For information on the next session on July 17, please click here.
DFW CSTA VIRTUAL SUMMER FORUM 2020
The DFW CSTA Virtual Summer Forum 2020 will be held on Monday, July 27, 2020 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. They are aiming to have a few choices for teachers to participate in several discussions and/or learning sessions.
This is an annual event to prepare CS teachers for another year or their first year in the classroom. DFW CSTA will provide discussions and resources for success during the first few weeks of the school year. All CS teachers are invited to participate. New CS teachers make some networking contacts to help support them throughout the year. Veteran CS teachers will share relevant information about CS-related topics and instruction. Registration will open Friday, July 17, 2020 for attendees.
Call for Presenters - please complete this Google Form by Friday, July 10, 2020 to be a presenter.
BOOTSTRAP PD OFFERINGS
Our partners at Bootstrap are planning to offer open-registration virtual PD in July 2020. The Data Science workshop will be July 13-17, and the Algebra workshop will be July 27-31 Each workshop will meet for 5 hours per day (2.5 hours in each of the morning and afternoon, EST). Both workshops will involve significant hands-on work and group discussion, as typical of our in-person workshops. The cost will be $500 per participant, with a handful of scholarships available.
If you are interested in attending, please fill out this application form.
FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: RURAL TECH PROJECT
The Rural Tech Project is a $600,000 challenge to advance rural technology education and prepare students for the careers of today and tomorrow. The U.S. Department of Education invites high schools and local educational agencies to propose technology education programs that use competency-based distance learning.
The challenge is open to any publicly funded school or local educational agency serving students in grades 9-12 in rural communities. "Rural" is broadly defined as a non-urban, non-suburban area. An area may be considered rural based on its population density and/or distance from suburban or urban hubs. See the eligibility criteria for further guidance.
Up to five finalists will be selected to receive an equal share of the $500,000 Phase 1 cash prize pool. At the conclusion of program implementation, one grand-prize winner will receive an additional $100,000.
From January 2021 through August 2023, finalists will have on-the-ground assistance, expert mentorship, and access to virtual resources as they plan, run, refine, and report on their programs.
We have curated a list of partner resoruces to help with online instruction. If you know of any other online resources to assist with virtual learning and would like to contribute to the newsletter, please email us.
