Professional Learning

Professional Development Opportunities

Practical, creative, and approachable technology learning for teachers, schools, libraries, museums, and community organizations. Sessions can be adapted for short workshops, half-day or full-day learning, classroom partnerships, and ongoing learning series.

In-person sessionsSelf-directed resource guidesAdaptable formats

Choose a Professional Learning Path

Each offering includes a resource guide so participants can preview the topic, revisit workshop materials, and continue exploring after an in-person session.

Creative Computer Science Across the Curriculum

Audience

K–12 teachers, instructional coaches, librarians, and technology integration staff

Description

Explore computer science beyond coding through computational thinking, logic, creativity, data, and design, then connect those practices to existing subject-area goals.

Participants Will

  • Leave with ideas for immediate classroom use
  • Explore examples of computer science beyond programming
  • Connect CS concepts to existing classroom goals
  • Try simple activities adaptable across grade levels

AI for Teachers: Practical Classroom Uses

Audience

Teachers, school staff, instructional coaches, and administrators

Description

Use AI as a planning, creativity, and productivity partner while keeping classroom practice thoughtful, ethical, and student-centered.

Participants Will

  • Practice writing clearer prompts
  • Explore classroom-safe activity ideas
  • Discuss AI ethics, bias, and responsible use
  • Create sample classroom materials, songs, images, or lesson supports

Coding and Computational Thinking for Beginners

Audience

Teachers new to coding or computer science instruction

Description

Build confidence with sequencing, loops, events, debugging, and computational thinking through approachable tools and activities.

Participants Will

  • Try beginner coding activities
  • Learn common computer science vocabulary
  • Connect coding concepts to classroom routines
  • Identify tools that fit their grade level and setting

Robotics and Physical Computing

Audience

K–12 teachers, STEM clubs, libraries, and makerspaces

Description

Use classroom-friendly devices such as micro:bit, Makey Makey, Sphero, and LEGO robotics to connect code to the physical world.

Participants Will

  • Try robotics or physical-computing challenges
  • Learn how sensors, inputs, outputs, and events work
  • Explore classroom management tips for device-based projects
  • Leave with adaptable challenge ideas

Interactive Learning Exhibits

Audience

Teachers, libraries, museums, makerspaces, and community programs

Description

Design small interactive artifacts with Makey Makey, micro:bit, Scratch, audio, or digital slides while connecting technology to subject-area learning.

Participants Will

  • Choose a content-area topic and visitor learning goal
  • Select a Makey Makey, micro:bit, or digital-tool pathway
  • Prototype one interaction with a clear visitor instruction
  • Test, revise, and leave with a build plan and resources

Computer Science Discoveries

Audience

Grades 6–10 teachers introducing computer science with Code.org

Description

Use Code.org resources to begin with problem solving and build programming skills through unplugged activities, Fundamentals courses, CSD units, and AI units.

Participants Will

  • Explore a practical start-of-year pathway
  • Experience an unplugged activity introducing key CS concepts
  • Identify units and resources aligned with classroom goals
  • Create a flexible implementation plan with ready-to-use links

Session Formats

Topics can be adjusted for a short introduction, a focused workshop, a half-day or full-day session, classroom partnership, or an ongoing learning series. Resource guides provide a starting point for self-directed review between sessions.

Additional educator connections

Professional learning beyond Coding Every Day

Connect with state and national organizations that offer ongoing professional learning, educator community, standards support, curriculum, and classroom resources. Links point to live source pages so current opportunities stay current.

Wisconsin chapter

CSTA Wisconsin Dairyland

Connect with Wisconsin computer science educators and find chapter information, meetings, and statewide learning opportunities.

Visit the Wisconsin Chapter
National learning

CSTA Professional Learning

Explore webinars, online courses, conferences, mentoring, and other professional learning from the Computer Science Teachers Association.

Explore CSTA Learning
Curated collection

Computer Science & STEAM Resources

Browse trusted curriculum, learning platforms, student programs, inclusive-computing support, and cross-curricular exploration sites.

Browse the Resource Hub