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25-26 WeTeach_Cyber and WeTeach_AI Hubs for Texas Teachers Applications Opening December 1, 2024 The WeTeach_Cyber Hub is a professional development initiative to build and enhance cybersecurity education in our Texas high schools. One of the most important ways to increase the availability of cybersecurity courses in our high schools is to invest in the education of our Texas cybersecurity teachers. The goal of the WeTeach_Cyber Hub is to increase the number of Texas high school CTE teachers who can effectively prepare students for cybersecurity post-secondary opportunities and careers. This hub will consist of Texas certified high school teachers who will work within a community of practice as they deepen their cybersecurity knowledge and develop tools and strategies for their CTE cybersecurity programs of study.
Other topics in this newsletter include:
Drinking water systems for 26M Americans face high cybersecurity risks The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPAs) Office of Inspector General (OIG) on Nov. 13 reported that 97 drinking water systems serving about 26.6 million Americans around the country have either “critical or high-risk” cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Overall, the OIG’s assessment covered 1,062 drinking water systems for cybersecurity vulnerabilities that serve more than 193 million Americans. Along with the 97 high-risk systems, the OIG found an additional 211 drinking water systems servicing over 82.7 million people were identified as “medium or low severity” by having externally visible open portals. Learn more about the cybersecurity vulnerabilities found in the US critical infrastucture security.
Cybersecurity Teachers - Do you have a great lesson or game or hands-on project? Submit a proposal to become a presenter at the WeTeach_CS Summit: June 9-10, 2025! Accepted proposals will receive a scholarship to the Summit and other amazing benefits!
The WeTeach_CS Summit is a two-day event that educates, empowers, and inspires K-12 computer science (CS) and cybersecurity teachers, advocates, administrators, professional development providers, university instructors, and policy-makers to advance the goal of CS for All in Texas and beyond. This year’s Summit will be held June 9-10, 2025, at the Austin Renaissance. Approximately 600 CS and cybersecurity champions will be in attendance.
Get ready for Cybersecurity Career Week! This exciting week is packed with engaging activities, resources, and opportunities to explore the dynamic world of cybersecurity. From interactive workshops to career panels and hands-on challenges, participants can discover pathways to thriving careers in this critical and ever-evolving field.
University Medical Center (UMC) in Lubbock, TX is grappling with a significant IT outage following a ransomware attack that began last Thursday, disrupting hospital operations and forcing patient diversions to other local facilities. The cyberattack has left critical systems inaccessible, with UMC staff working tirelessly alongside third-party experts to restore normal operations. Despite ongoing efforts, a timeline for full recovery remains uncertain, highlighting the severe impact of ransomware on essential healthcare services. Read more to learn all about it!
Due to scheduling conflicts with Career Kickstart's required meetings, the dates for upcoming webinar sessions have been adjusted. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we accommodate these changes. Read the newsletter for updated details and make sure to mark your calendars with the revised schedule!
Are you new to teaching Networking or are you participating in the Career Kickstart Cyber Networking pilot?
Join us for the WeTeach_Cyber Networking Series, where experienced networking instructors will guide you through essential networking topics covered in the Career Kickstart course and the CompTIA Network+ certification. Each webinar will provide valuable content knowledge, practical sample lessons, and teaching strategies to help you succeed in the classroom. Plus, live attendees will earn CPE credits. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching skills and connect with fellow educators!
The Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award is presented by the U.S. Secretary of Education to teachers in the field of cybersecurity to honor their contributions to the education of our nation’s students. Award recipients are selected for their superior accomplishments as teachers, academic achievement indicators, and leadership contributing to the field of cybersecurity. Anyone may nominate a teacher for this honor; self-nominations are also permitted. Nominations close on September 13, 2024.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey for computer science education! Registration closes: May 28, 2024
Join us for the 2024 WeTeach_CS Summit, a 2-day conference hosted by WeTeach_CS, an Expanding Pathways in Computing (EPIC) program. At this event, attendees connect with passionate educators committed to broadening participation in K-12 computer science (CS) and cybersecurity education. Attendees will get the chance to catch up with colleagues from across Texas and beyond, all while delving into the latest CS and Cybersecurity best practices.
The WeTeach_Cyber Hub is a professional development initiative to build and enhance cybersecurity education in our Texas high schools. The goal of the WeTeach_Cyber Hub is to increase the number of Texas high school CTE teachers who can effectively prepare students for cybersecurity post-secondary opportunities and careers.
You must be a certified Texas teacher and currently employed by a Texas school district to be eligible.
This year long hub will consist of Texas certified high school teachers who will work within a community of practice as they deepen their cybersecurity knowledge and develop tools and strategies for their CTE cybersecurity programs of study. This course will progress educators from the fundamentals of cybersecurity to the preparation for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. Deadline to apply: APRIL 1, 2024
The Education and Outreach team of the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Advanced Computing Center would like to invite your students to their free March GenCyber Back@TACC Cybersecurity Events. Two skill level options are available:
GenCyber Level UP Back@TACC
GenCyber Introduction Back@TACC
We are excited to announce two new professional development opportunities!
WeTeach_AI for Middle School equips educators with Artificial Intelligence expertise and resources. WeTeach_AI for High School is dedicated to educating educators with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complex realm of AI. Our goal is to educate, empower, and motivate educators to promote AI literacy and creativity in their classrooms.
The WeTeach_AI Middle School Hub is an innovative initiative focused on enriching AI education in Texas middle schools. By participating in our program, educators gain invaluable insights into AI concepts, including self-driving cars, language models and machine learning.
By participating in this professional development opportunity, educators will not only enhance their own pedagogical practices but also empower the next generation of innovators to responsibly harness the power of AI and machine learning (ML). Together, we can ensure that our students are not just consumers of technology but informed creators shaping a better future for all. Join our cutting-edge teaching hub focused on high school computer science and AI/ML!
Summer Professional Development Opportunities It’s that time of year again—summer professional development season is here! From cybersecurity to AI and a variety of exciting conferences, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out—explore this newsletter to discover opportunities and start signing up today!
In the CyberStart America competition, Texas teachers and students truly shone. Texas achieved remarkable rankings in key categories, showcasing the state's dedication and excellence:
Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! Well done, Texas!
2023 Newsletter Archive
