Beginning in January, we’ve been recruiting for educators to bring quality computer science education to schools across Ohio. The priority application period has passed, however, a few seats and scholarships remain. Here’s a quick rundown on the basics of this powerful professional development opportunity and how you can earn a place in the program.
Why does computer science education matter?Â
Computer Science opens more doors than any other discipline. Learning the basics will help students in every career—from agriculture to healthcare. Seventy-one percent (71%) of all U.S. jobs require digital skills. High-skilled computing occupations are the fastest-growing, best-paying, and largest sector of all new wages in the U.S. This holds true in Ohio. According to the Computing Technology Industry Association, Ohio is ranked 10th in the country in both net tech employment and net tech employment job gains. Yet many schools do not teach Computer Science.
We seek to change this. The Ohio STEM Learning Network, managed by Battelle, partners with Code.org each year to provide experiences that help any teacher get ready to lead computer science education at their school.
What workshops are offered?Â
The Code.org Professional Learning Program offers different workshop based on which grade levels will be taught:
- Computer Science Fundamentals prepares teachers to lead elementary school (K-5) computer science classes
- Computer Science Discoveries prepares teachers for creating experiences for middle school (6-8) students
- Computer Sciences Principles prepares teachers for high school classes (9-12), including Advanced Placement credit
The workshop CS Discoveries and CS Principles will proceed as scheduled on July 6-10, 2020, with four additional follow-up implementation sessions throughout the following school year.
CS Fundamentals workshops will also continue throughout the year, as standalone one-day events. The first CS Fundamentals workshop will be held across two days June 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and June 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Details here. More sessions are planned and will be posted to the Events page.
How will the workshops be delivered?
All of the programs under the Code.org Professional Learning Program will be held online, for now. Our team of teacher-coaches is building package of learning opportunities. This package combines facilitator-led sessions with asynchronous supplemental learning experiences. Participant will need complete the full set of experiences to fulfill the program requirements.
What does the program cost?
For Ohio teachers, the cost of the CS Discoveries or CS Principles program is $1300 per teacher. However, there are limited full- and partial-scholarships available – so apply by June 1, 2020! The program fee covers the year-long program including your teaching materials, workshop supplies, and 9 total days of professional development.
CS Fundamentals workshops are free but registration is required.
What do participants learn?Â
Participants will explore Computer Science curriculum and tools, experiment with specific teaching strategies, and join a local community of teachers using this curriculum.
At the conclusion of each program, the teacher will be fully equipped to lead computer science classes for students at their school.
We’ve interviewed many different teachers about the program. Here’s a selection from the last year: