WeTeach_CS Summit 2026

This session will provide participants with an understanding of how The College of Education at The University of Texas at El Paso is advancing a focused strategy to address technological shifts in education. An overview of the Educator Preparation Program, specifically newly designed course work (e.g. Computational Thinking for Educators) and initiatives supporting a commitment to preparing educators for a shift into AI transforming teaching and learning will be provided in during this session. Session participants will walk away with practical strategies for supporting teachers in a rapidly evolving educational landscape as evidenced by the El Paso AI Hub- an innovative strategic initiative designed to accelerate regional AI literacy and competency by providing a centralized, dynamic online platform for educators and learners.

Micro:bit Educational Foundation recently developed new 3rd-5th grade lessons aimed at integrating CS with core academic subjects and piloted these resources with over 150 teachers across 84 elementary schools. Hear from the Micro:bit Educational Foundation and the Texas Advanced Computing Center evaluation team as they tell the story of the pilot project, examine the evaluation research results, share the resources created, and walk through an example lesson. Small group discussions will focus on how to roll out micro:bit integration into local district and school contexts.

As computational thinking, computer science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence become essential literacy skills, school and district leaders must move beyond siloed courses and computer labs. This session explores strategic leadership approaches for integrating these skills across non-traditional content areas and student-centered programs. Participants will examine inclusive systems that expand access, support educators across disciplines, and leverage interdisciplinary initiatives to align with district goals, workforce readiness, and future-focused learning.

CS4TX is the advocacy organization leading the work with the Texas Legislature, SBOE, SBEC, and other agencies to assure that teachers have funding for professional learning, getting certified, and assuring that CS Education is represented in Texas.

In our session, we will explore how LaunchK5 serves as the foundational engine for building a robust K12 STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) pipeline. By introducing high-quality, hands-on engineering and technology modules at the elementary level, we are sparking early interest and ensuring students possess the prerequisite skills for secondary success.
We will discuss aligning LaunchK5’s modules with middle and high school pathways to create a seamless vertical transition. This strategic integration empowers our students to move confidently from foundational exploration to advanced industry-based certifications, ultimately preparing a future-ready workforce tailored to our district’s unique economic needs.

Not every student interested in computing wants—or needs—a traditional computer science major. In this session, we will explore how UT Austin has expanded access to computing through a variety of academic pathways. We will provide an overview of the new X+CS Program, the Programming and Computing Certificate, and other interdisciplinary options that integrate computing with fields such as business, design, entrepreneurship, biology, and social science. Attendees will learn how students can engage with computing while pursuing diverse academic interests, helping educators better advise students who may not see themselves in a traditional CS pathway.

Join Project Director Susan F. Reeves and representatives from the ESC-20 CS Pipeline Hub for a deep dive into the Certification Pipeline Program’s impact. This panel features educators who conquered the CS 8-12 and EC-12 Tech Apps exams after a year of intensive professional development. Participants will share critical lessons learned, including high-impact study strategies, overcoming the "retest" hurdle, and the importance of a structured peer cohort. Attendees will leave with a roadmap for building teacher confidence and technical proficiency, proving that with the right support, the path to CS or Tech Apps certification can be achievable for all.