The following PD workshops provide teachers with the opportunity to:
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Review the CS First curriculum
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Test drive a CS First class from a student and teacher perspective
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Develop a plan of action for teaching CS First in their classrooms
Virtual Training
For the remainder of 2020, CS First Professional Development Providers are offering virtual trainings to support educators in using CS First. Reach out to the following providers directly for more information. They will update their registration pages as workshops are scheduled.
- Five-Star Technology Solutions. Visit their registration page to learn more about their virtual CS First PD workshops.
- Mouse Visit their events site to learn more about their virtual CS First PD workshops.
- EdTechTeam. Visit their registration page to learn more about their virtual CS First PD workshops.
In addition to the live virtual sessions, learn how to use CS First at any time with Getting Started with CS First training videos.
CS First Professional Development Offerings
Getting Started with CS First
In this hands-on professional development workshop, teachers will learn how to use CS First, Google’s free ready-to-teach introductory computer science (CS) curriculum for elementary and middle school students. Students follow step-by-step instructional videos that introduce fundamental computer science concepts and build computer programs using Scratch, a block-based programming language.
During the workshop, teachers will review the CS First curriculum, test drive a CS First class from a student and teacher perspective. Teachers will walk away with a plan of action and strategies for starting to teach CS First in their classrooms. Most importantly, teachers will join the growing community of CS First educators from around the world.
CS First Subject Integration
In this hands-on professional development workshop, teachers will consider ways to integrate computer science into various subjects using CS First. The workshop is tailored for teachers with a basic understanding of the CS First curriculum and will explore integration approaches for English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science. Teachers will be given the opportunity to work with:
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Sample lesson plans integrating Storytelling + ELA, Art + Math, and Game Design + Engineering, as well as a lesson plan template that can be customized by teachers
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Rubrics focused on CS/Computational Thinking learning objectives
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Standards resources aligning CS First to NGSS and Common Core
CS First Professional Development Providers
CS First is working with seven professional development organizations around the United States to bring PD workshops to communities of new and existing CS First teachers. Reach out to them directly for more information.
Sacramento County Office of Education [Northern California]
Sacramento County Office of Education aims to ensure all educators in the Greater Sacramento region and across Northern California are receiving quality PD and resources to effectively empower the next generation of student leaders. Visit their registration page to learn more about their PD offerings and upcoming opportunities near you.
CodeVA [Virginia]
CodeVA is an educational nonprofit aimed at promoting computer science education across Virginia and works with teachers, districts and policymakers to reach this goal. Learn more and register for a PD workshop here.
Delaware County Intermediate Unit [Pennsylvania]
Delaware County Intermediate Unit serves educators and students in Pennsylvania to bring them cost-effective career and technical education programs. Visit their events page to learn more about their upcoming PD workshops.
Tierney [Central US]
Tierney specializes in improving outcomes with integrated classroom technology in K-12 schools in the Central States. Learn more about upcoming PD workshops with Tierney via their events portal and register today.
Five-Star Technology Solutions [Midwest]
Five-Star Technology Solutions specializes in tech solutions for K-12 schools in the Midwest while helping them maximize student learning and boost productivity. See their events page to learn about their CS First PD offerings and upcoming workshops.
EdTechTeam [US and Canada]
EdTechTeam is a global network of educational technologists empowering the next generation of educators through technology and effective learning principles. Attend a professional development workshop with EdTechTeam as they tour the United States and Canada providing free CS First trainings.
Mouse [US National]
A national nonprofit based in NYC, Mouse focuses on inspiring students and educators to leverage technology as a force for good. Visit their events site for information on CS First PD sessions and to register today.
No PD opportunities near you?
In the meantime, visit the CS First teacher support page to view online PD training and learn more about CS First.