TX CSPDWeek brings together a variety of computer science professional development opportunities designed to help educators strengthen their CS teaching practice. During this dedicated week in the summer, participants can choose from sessions ranging from one‑day workshops to full‑week trainings, all focused on building practical skills, expanding content knowledge, and supporting high‑quality CS instruction across Texas.
TX CSPDWeek session offerings include:
Texas educator participants will be selected through an application process and will receive:
Event: July 6-10, 2026
Applications open: March 20, 2026
Priority deadline: April 15, 2025
Applications close: May 1, 2025
Applicants will be notified of their status no later than, May 14, 2025.
lwerst@tacc.utexas.edu
Join CMU CS Academy for an in-depth look at our College Programming & Computer Science (CPCS) course—a comprehensive, college-level computer science course designed to give high school students a true university experience. During the week, we’ll explore the context behind the course, the core concepts it covers, and practical strategies for delivering it successfully in your classroom. We’ll dive into as much of the content as we can fit into the schedule, giving you hands-on exposure to the curriculum while modeling instructional approaches you can immediately apply with your students.
The workshop will be led by Austin, one of our software engineers and instructors of Carnegie Mellon University’s 15-112, the university course on which CPCS is based. Whether you prefer continued live support or independent learning, you’ll have options after PD Week: teachers can join our virtual, synchronous professional development sessions or complete the remaining training through our self-paced Certified Educator course online. All professional development, curriculum, instructional resources, and ongoing support are completely free. Students who complete the course can choose to take an optional exam for $200; those who pass can earn transferable college credit in the form of a CMU Transcript, providing a meaningful and affordable pathway to advanced study in computer science.
https://academy.cs.cmu.edu/cpcs
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The 2-day WeTeach_CS Certification Prep (EC-12 Tech Apps) targeted to in-service Texas teachers will provide an overview of the educator competencies required of all teachers to become certified. Course instructors will address domains of the exam in depth and link attendees to additional resources that will prepare them to challenge the TExES 242 certification test.
This certification can be used to teach Networking, Foundations of Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Capstone, Fundamentals of Computer Science, and Computer Science Principles in Texas. See the Texas Education Agency's Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) (Chapter 127, Section O) for more information on each course.
Eligible in-service Texas teachers that apply for the CIP stipend, pass the TExES 242 exam, and obtain the certification will receive a $750 stipend.
This workshop begins with introductory programming on Day 1 to provide teachers with foundational knowledge in text based coding in Python. Days 2-4 incorporate physical computing to reinforce CS concepts. The TI-Innovator™ Hub and Rover with the TI-Nspire™ CX graphing calculator are powerful tools for introducing physical computing to students using Python. Participants will write code to program and build working solutions that actuate a red-green-blue LED, a single red LED, a brightness sensor and a built-in speaker. Ease into the world of coding with TI-Technology through a series of differentiated, collaborative tasks using the Innovator™ Rover as we explore introductory robotics! We will finish Day 4 with activities using the Codron EDU programmable drone. You don't want to miss this one. Participants will receive a TI-Nspire™ CX graphing calculator, 2 TI-Innovator™ Hubs, a TI Innovator™ Rover and a Robolink Codron EDU with special cable to connect to the TI-Nspire™ CX.
In this full-day workshop, you will explore the Robotical Cog, a small, powerful device that lets students make lights change color, play sounds, and respond to movement, touch, and their environment, through block-based coding. With no prior coding experience required, you will learn to set up and connect the Cog, navigate the beginner-friendly Blocks Jr. platform, and code every Cog feature from the LED ring and speaker to the tilt sensor and light sensor.
Beyond the basics, you will explore Cog Station Extension activities, with grade-level activities for Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade that connect physical computing to the science, math, and ELA content your students are already learning. Aligned to the Texas Technology Applications TEKS, this workshop will leave you with the hands-on experience, classroom-ready resources, and a concrete implementation plan to start using the Cog with your students right away.
Experience CS empowers elementary and middle school educators to teach computer science through a standards-aligned curriculum that seamlessly integrates CS concepts into core subjects like math, science, languages, and the arts.
Save time on lesson prep with our extensive library of TEKS-aligned cross-curricular lessons, starter materials, and presentations, allowing you to focus more on teaching and less on planning. The cross-curricular nature of Experience CS means students are able to see real-world applications of computer science.
Inspire your students with creative, engaging projects using a version of Scratch that is safe for schools. We provide interactive projects that are aligned to our cross-curricular resources, with clear instructions to make learning fun and accessible for all.
Find out more at https://experience-cs.org/
This one-week introductory Python course is designed to immerse participants in the habits of mind that define computational thinking—breaking complex problems into manageable parts, recognizing patterns, developing algorithms, and refining solutions through iteration. The experience begins in a low-floor, high-ceiling environment using block-based programming, allowing learners to focus first on logic and structure before wrestling with syntax. Through Turtle block programming, participants explore sequencing and visual feedback while learning how precise instructions drive predictable outcomes. Early work with truth values and conditionals introduces decision-making structures, laying the conceptual groundwork for more advanced control flow. By the end of Day 1, participants launch a multi-day project that will anchor their learning throughout the week.
On Day 2, learners transition intentionally from block-based environments to text-based Python. Because the underlying logic has already been established, the shift in representation highlights the continuity of computational ideas across platforms. Participants explore lists as a way to store and manage collections of data, and they use for loops to automate repetition and recognize patterns at scale. Structured project work time allows them to apply these ideas in meaningful contexts rather than isolated exercises.
Day 3 deepens understanding of control structures through if statements and while loops, emphasizing how programs make decisions and respond dynamically to changing conditions. Learners are introduced to functions as a way to organize code, promote reuse, and clarify intent—an important step toward writing readable and maintainable programs. As before, guided project time reinforces the connection between concept and application.
Day 4 strengthens students’ command of functions, encouraging abstraction and modular design. Participants refine their projects, improve structure, and practice decomposing larger challenges into smaller, testable components—mirroring authentic programming practice.
The week culminates on Day 5 with a collaborative debugging activity that reframes errors as opportunities for insight and growth. Participants practice reading code carefully, diagnosing logical missteps, and applying systematic problem-solving strategies. The course concludes with project presentations, where learners articulate both their technical decisions and their computational thinking process.
Throughout the week, participants also engage in hands-on physical computing, extending their code beyond the screen into the physical world. By the end of the course, learners leave not only with foundational Python skills—sequencing, decisions, loops, and functions—but with a deeper understanding of how computational thinking empowers them to design, test, and refine solutions in both digital and real-world contexts.
Participants in this two-day workshop will explore how computational thinking and creative writing can work together through an approachable, unplugged storytelling structure. Beginning with simple, process-oriented writing activities, educators will learn how to guide students in building branching, parallel, and cyclical narratives that introduce decisions, patterns, sequencing, and logic in ways that feel natural within writing instruction. This step-by-step structure lowers the barrier for beginners while also providing clear pathways for differentiation, allowing teachers to extend the same framework to support more advanced learners and more complex narrative designs.
Throughout the workshop, educators will design their own computational story card sets and explore a structured story design workbook that breaks large creative tasks into manageable steps. These materials create a scaffold that helps students map decisions and story paths before touching code. The resulting story structures act as a roadmap for programming, making the transition into coding less intimidating and more purposeful.
Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources, including computational story card sets, story design workbooks, presentation slides, and classroom-ready activities that can be integrated into writing instruction across subject areas. Project elements introduced in the workshop are aligned with both state and national standards, making it easy for educators to connect the work to existing curriculum goals.
The storytelling structures developed in the workshop can later be translated into programming environments such as Python, JavaScript, Scratch, or interactive storytelling platforms like Twine. Educators will receive resources and guidance to explore these programming pathways after the workshop, allowing them to extend the storytelling framework into coding projects when they are ready.
This session introduces educators to Playlab, an AI platform designed to support thoughtful, curriculum-aligned AI integration. Participants will gain experience building and using AI apps within a private, safeguarded workspace — with access to knowledge libraries aligned to Texas TEKS. The session emphasizes AI agency: helping teachers understand how to guide students in working with AI tools rather than simply using them passively. Educators will leave with at least one classroom-ready AI chatbot, multiple versions of Playlab's student AI curriculum, and access to Playlab's full software suite, including multi-model support (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, LLaMA) with built-in safety guardrails. Relevant links: playlab.ai
The 3-day WeTeach_CS Certification Prep (CS 8-12) targeted to in-service Texas teachers 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, or AP Computer Science A and can be used to teach Fundamentals of Computer Science and 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.
Accepted applicants will be given free access and be expected to complete the Foundations of CS for Teachers (CS 8-12) canvas course prior to the workshop dates. https://weteachcs.org/catalogue/foundations-of-cs-for-teachers-texes/
Eligible in-service Texas teachers that apply for the CIP stipend, pass the TExES 241 exam, and obtain the certification will receive a $2,000 stipend. https://weteachcs.org/catalogue/computer-science-8-12-certification-incentive-program/
A multi-day, hands‑on professional development experience designed to help PK–5 teachers build a strong foundation in computational thinking, programming concepts, and Technology Applications TEKS. Throughout the workshop, participants will explore block‑based programming using Pencil Code and MakeCode and learn classroom‑ready strategies that make computer science accessible for all elementary learners. Participants will engage in a blend of plugged and unplugged activities, use coding tools (e.g., micro: bits, coding mice), and make meaningful ELA, math, and science connections that bring CS concepts to life. This workshop emphasizes practical pedagogy—helping teachers confidently reinforce computer science skills and bring coding to the PK–5 classroom through engaging lessons, classroom routines, and age‑appropriate programming challenges.
Participants must bring a laptop capable of accessing web‑based platforms (PencilCode and MakeCode) and USB ports for programming physical computing tools. Everything is designed with beginners and growing CS teachers in mind, ensuring teachers leave with a toolkit of strategies, resources, and confidence.
This two‑day professional learning experience equips educators with a comprehensive understanding of the micro:bit and its potential to enhance instruction across all core subject areas. Participants will explore the full range of micro:bit features through hands‑on practice with sensors, inputs, and outputs, all while building foundational programming skills in the MakeCode environment. Through guided challenges and structured practice, educators will strengthen their confidence with block‑based programming and deepen their understanding of how micro:bit supports computational thinking.
The workshop also emphasizes meaningful instructional integration. Educators will examine how micro:bit aligns with strategies already used in the classroom and explore practical approaches for incorporating it into existing curriculum. Participants will design their own TEKS‑aligned learning experiences, creating lessons or projects that use micro:bit as a tool for engagement and deeper learning. The experience concludes with a collaborative share‑out, allowing participants to reflect, gather insights, and refine the activities they have created.
New to physical computing and the VEX 123? This hands-on session is designed specifically for K–2 teachers who have never used the VEX 123 robot. We’ll start from the very beginning—powering on, basic movement, and simple block based coding. Participants will also explore how to integrate VEX 123 into core content areas including math, literacy, and science. You’ll leave with ready-to-use classroom ideas and practical strategies for managing robotics with young learners. In addition, you will receive a VEX 123 kit that includes two robots, two coders with coding cards, and a field for running the program.
No prior robotics or coding experience required—just come ready to learn and explore!
Launch_MS CS is a highly interactive three‑day hybrid professional learning experience designed to support grades 6–8 educators in integrating computational thinking, computer science, cybersecurity, and AI into their core curriculum. Throughout the training, participants will explore block‑based coding, physical computing, and text‑based programming while becoming familiar with the 2024–2025 Technology Applications TEKS. Educators will also receive 6–8 ready‑to‑use lesson activities, along with classroom resources and materials to help them begin their launch into computer science instruction.
The hybrid training model includes two facilitated days, followed by a required third day completed asynchronously through a structured Canvas course. This final online component provides additional opportunities for reflection, practice, and application of workshop concepts.
Over four transformative days, educators will gain fresh perspectives through dynamic, hands-on training designed to reignite purpose, sharpen tech skills, and strengthen the CTE community. Teachers will dive into coding with Scratch, learning how to guide students in creating interactive projects like a digital jukebox, an interactive pinball machine, a customizable race track, and even their own original, one-of-a-kind creation. Teahcers will also learn collaborative team building, 3D printing outputs, 3D design and prototyping, plus how to build their own PBL units. Packed with practical tools, collaboration, creativity, and inspiration, this experience goes far beyond typical PD—it’s a professional glow-up that empowers you to reflect, refine, recharge, and bring innovative computer science experiences back to your classroom.
