Keystone's Computer Science Teacher Newsletter
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
Join us for the next CS Networking on May 7
So much is happening in Computer Science! Join us to keep up-to-date with legislation, professional development opportunities, network with other Keystone AEA schools, and learn what others are doing to increase Computer Science opportunities within their schools.
May. 7; 3:00 - 4:00
Online & Free! Week of AI
Week of AI is a week-long, immersive, and collaborative virtual event from May 13 through May 18th, 2024. This year's theme is "Level Up Your AI Knowledge," and adventurers from all corners of the globe will gather in a quest to share their AI knowledge. Prepare for an epic journey into the realm of artificial intelligence at this year’s #WeekofAI Virtual week-long event!
Learn more & register
NICC Summer Cybersecurity, Networking, & Intro to Hardware Training for High School Instructors
June 25-27: 9-12 Peosta Campus, Maren Larsen
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June 25: 9-12 Cybersecurity
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June 26: 9-12 Networking (CISCO and Open Access tools to take back to your classroom!)
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June 27: 9-12 Intro to Hardware (Introductory into NET103 Troubleshooting, Hardware basics, tips for integration into curriculum, Intro Troubleshooting skills.)
Pathfinders Summer Institute 2024
FREE Hands-On professional development!
For the fifth consecutive year, the Infosys Foundation USA will host their signature Pathfinders Summer Institute virtually on Infosys Springboard USA – the Pathfinders Online Institute. Coming off a record-breaking Summer Institute in 2023 with over 1,000 educators, many dynamic courses are available this summer! K-12 public and charter school educators are invited to consider a summer- filled with PD – free of charge! This year, we are also opening applications to a limited number of public-school librarians, community librarians, and district tech specialists.
This year, 19 courses are available from leading computer science and maker ed curriculum providers that align with K-12 CS standards. These PDs will take place virtually from June to August 2024 at different times, dates, and in formats that offer K-12 educators flexibility. Full scholarships sponsored by Infosys Foundation USA will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each educator is allowed to register for only 1 course.
Learn more and register below to receive FREE synchronous and asynchronous teacher workshops, and an unforgettable summer learning experience!
Cyber.org EdCon 24 in Orlando, FL
EdCon 24 is designed to inspire and empower novice and expert K-12 cybersecurity educators and counselors. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Learn ready-to-implement lessons from CYBER.ORG curriculum developers.
- Explore no-cost resources from industry experts.
- Gain firsthand knowledge from K-12 educators.
(See the link to register below the travel grant reimbursement info)
$750 Travel Grant Reimbursement for Cyber.org EdCon 24
Don’t let financial constraints keep you from attending CYBER.ORG EdCon in Orlando, FL, June 15-17, 2024! CYBER.ORG has a limited number of $750 travel grants available for eligible K-12 educators. Recipients of travel grants will be able to use the funds to seek reimbursement for up to $750 of registration, airfare, and/or hotel costs. (Note: you must book at the DoubleTree at Universal as long as block rates are available to receive the travel grant.) To be eligible, you must be employed in a K-12 institution in the United States or U.S. Territories. All applicants will receive a response to their application within 14 days with an award decision. Preference for awarding travel grants is given to school level personnel including classroom teachers and counselors. District level staff will automatically be placed on a waiting list and will be notified when/if travel grants become available.
apply for $750 travel reimbursement
CS Professional Development opportunities in June 2024
The Department of Education announced they will be sponsoring a CSPD week in June, a date to be determined. Keep posted to learn more about this opportunity.
CSTA Annual Conference 2024
The CSTA 2024 Annual Conference is set for July 16–19, 2024 in Las Vegas!
Attendees will leave feeling refreshed and excited to start the 2024–2025 school year, armed with new lessons and tools to implement in the classroom. Hear from our inspirational keynote speakers — to be announced soon — and experience the hands-on classroom experiences you’ve been missing.
Registration for CSTA 2024 includes:
- Full access to all programming Tuesday, July 16 through Friday, July 19, 2024.
- An invitation to the Welcome Reception on Tuesday, July 16.
- An invitation to the offsite reception on Thursday, July 18. Details will be announced at a later date.
- Access to all session resources and slide decks.
- Access to general session recordings.
- Access to the Exhibit Hall.
Ready to register for CSTA 2024? Don't forget to click "Member Registration" and log in using your CSTA+ membership credentials to secure the member rate!
More Information & Register here
TCEA Virtual AI for Educators Conference
Curious how schools and districts are transforming learning, engagement, and productivity with AI? Hear how other educators are using AI at TCEA's virtual AI for Educators Conference (AI for Edu) on July 25 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Central!
Here's what you can expect from just 4.5 hours at AI for Edu:
Reclaim Your Time: Discover how AI tools can automate tasks and streamline processes, giving you more time to focus on your priorities.
Fuel Your Creativity: Brainstorm and design innovative instruction with insights from educators who have successfully integrated AI into their classrooms and planning.
Achieve Better Outcomes: Learn how AI-powered differentiation can cater to individual student needs and drive improved learning outcomes.
Master Data Interpretation: Gain valuable skills in interpreting data and tracking student progress with AI-driven analysis.
Enhance Communication: Explore how AI can revolutionize communication practices, fostering greater collaboration and engagement.
Work Smarter, Not Harder: Discover practical tips and strategies to maximize your efficiency and productivity, allowing you to achieve more in less time.
Plus, with 30-day post-conference access to all session recordings, you can revisit and reinforce your learning at your own pace and view any sessions you missed!
- Registration Fee: $149
- Dates: July 25, 2024
- Time: 8:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Central
- Included with Registration:
- Free, one-year auto-renewing TCEA membership
- 30-day post-conference access to all sessions (recorded)
Teacher Externships Available for Summer 2024
Iowa STEM Teacher Externships are full-time, six-week temporary summer positions in local businesses and agencies for licensed, secondary teachers of mathematics, science, and/or technology. CTE educators in STEM areas are also eligible. STEM Teachers earn a stipend of up to $5,000 (including two paid professional development days), and three graduate credits through the University of Northern Iowa’s Continuing Education program.
Northeast Iowa partnerships:
- Upper Iowa Tool and Die & Innovations in Cresco, IA
- STEM Areas: Chemistry, Industrial Technology, Mathematics, Physics
- Geater Machining and Manufacturing, Co in Independence, IA
- STEM Areas: Business, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Mathematics
- John Deere Engine Works in Waterloo, IA
- STEM Areas: Engineering, Industrial Technology
- John Deere Foundry in Waterloo, IA
- STEM Areas: Industrial Technology
If you are interested in any of these placements listed below please fill out the application or contact Iowa STEM Externship Coordinator, Ann Gritzner, at gritzner@iowastem.org.
Student Opportunities
ICN's SYBAC Broadband Council
Attention Teachers: Do you know students who are interested in technology?
The Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council (SYBAC) is an opportunity for high school students to research and discuss broadband and Internet topics, learn about Iowa technology companies, and discover technology careers. Meetings will take place monthly, throughout the school year, via video conference, teleconference, and/or in-person.
SYBAC is open to 10th – 12th grade Iowa students. Students will identify effective strategies to improve broadband connectivity and community environments, which could assist in advocacy efforts for rural Internet connectivity.
Applications are being accepted until May 31, 2024
Students can apply by submitting an application. A teacher needs to submit a recommendation on the student's behalf.
Learn more & recommend a student
Amazon Opportunities:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the most transformative technology of our generation. If we are going to unlock the full potential of AI to tackle the world’s most challenging problems, we need to make AI education accessible to anyone with a desire to learn. Because of this, Amazon has announced 3 new initiatives:
- Eight new and free AI and generative AI courses
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Generative AI Scholarship, providing more than 50,000 high school and university students globally with access to a new generative AI course on Udacity
- New collaboration with Code.org designed to help students learn about generative AI
CS Curriculum Options
Looking for curriculum options? These resource documents were released from the Iowa AEA Computer Science consultants. They provide a curated list of options for various grade levels.
K-2 Computer Science Curriculum Resource List
3-5 Computer Science Curriculum Resource List
Middle School Computer Science Curriculum Resource List
High School Computer Science Courses
Computer Science Clubs/Competitions
Connect with Other Computer Science Teachers
Facebook Group: Iowa Computer Science Teachers
#CSforIA
