WeTeach_CS Summit 2026

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.