WETEACH_CS RELEASES THE NEWEST VERSION OF THE CS REGIONAL DATA PROFILES
For the past few years, WeTeach_CS has analyzed the statewide course-taking data for all Texas high school students to produce reporting on access and participation in computer science coursework. Our newest version contains data from the 2018-2019 school year (there is a lag in data reporting). Check out the State CS profile for an overview, and then go to this page to select your ESC region. The regional datasheets are broken down by school and district, allowing an amazingly granular level of information to be presented. Want to see what the other schools in your district are doing with CS? Want to see how many students in neighboring districts are taking CS? Now you can!
WETEACH_CS CURRICULUM SPECIAL: 2 YEARS FOR THE PRICE OF 1!
With budget uncertainties looming in the 2021-2022 school year, WeTeach_CS is offering a CS I and AP CSA curricula special. Purchase either curriculum for the 2020-2021 school year and get the 2021-2022 subscription for free!
Interested in learning more? Click here to watch a recording of a recent webinar where we explain our curriculum options.
OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH CS & AI REMOTELY ON SATURDAYS
This opportunity is for any Computer Science, STEM, Special Education, or Technology Teacher of grade 6-12 students in a Title I school in Texas. The National Science Foundation is funding Changing Expectations' project to teach a computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) course to African American & Hispanic students with disabilities. IBM Austin will support the teachers learning CS and AI on Saturday mornings and then class time for the students will be remote on Saturday afternoons as arranged by the teacher. Teachers will receive a $7,200 stipend for their participation. Students will receive a $300 student incentive for their participation as well as a computer loan and WiFi hotspot. If you are interested in learning more, please contact loretta@changingexpectations.onmicrosoft.com.
ENCOURAGE STUDENTS YOU KNOW TO APPLY FOR NCWIT AWARDS
Do you know an amazing high school student who should apply for the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing or a college student who should apply for the NCWIT Collegiate Award?
The NCWIT Award for AiC honors women in grades 9 through 12 who are active and interested in computing and technology, and encourages them to pursue their passions. The NCWIT Collegiate Award honors the outstanding computing accomplishments of undergraduate and graduate women.
Encourage them to apply at this link! Reaching out personally in addition to filling out the form is also a great idea!
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM DECOR FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECH EDUCATORS
Inspired by teachers creating Bitmoji virtual classrooms, NCWIT has assembled a set of interactive elements to help teachers make all students feel welcome and enhance their interest in computing. By adding the elements to their own virtual classrooms, teachers can build a positive classroom climate, show students "possible selves" and role models in computing, maintain student interest, and highlight career and other opportunities (including NCWIT opportunities, of course). Special shout out the AWSM in CS teachers who helped to inspire this project from our partners at NCWIT! You can access this resource here.
FIND A JOB: OPEN COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION POSITIONS
JUDSON ISD - Veterans Memorial High School in San Antonio has a vacancy in their computer science program. This position will teach Computer Science I, II, and III. Learn more and apply here.
RICHARDSON ISD - Pearce HS is looking for a computer science teacher to teach AP Computer Science Principles and Computer Science I. Richardson ISD utilizes a 5-course pathway in computer science, TechSmart Curriculum, and MTA certifications. Apply at this link.
NEW BRAUNFELS ISD - New Braunfels High School is hiring a Computer Science/Business position to teach AP Computer Science Principles, Computer Science II , and BIM II. New Braunfels High School is a 6A high school in a fast-growing community located between Austin and San Antonio. If you're interested in applying, please see the job posting here or email CTE Director, Rachel Behnke, at rbehnke@nbisd.org.
FRISCO ISD - The Frisco ISD CTE Center has a computer science teacher position available. Resumes can be emailed to Dianna Manuel at manueld@friscoisd.org.
RESOURCES
We have curated a list of partner resources 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.
Past editions of the EPIC + WeTeach_CS Newsletter are available at our archive.
Interested in learning more about available professional development, online courses, and curriculum options from WeTeach_CS and our partners? Visit UTakeIt.
