Computer Science Professional Development

CodeHS online PD courses include engaging learning modules that cover the basics of programming and best practices for teaching in a blended classroom. Over 60 free intro to AP computer science courses with standards alignment, lesson plans, and more.  Learn more here.

 The Code.org Professional Learning Program is hosted by their Regional Partner, Mouse, and is designed to prepare teachers before and during their first year teaching computer science with three widely used curriculum options. Code.org CS Fundamentals is for grades K-5, Code.org CS Discoveries for grades 6-10 and Code.org AP CS Principles is for grades 9-12. Learn more here. 

CSTA is a community of computer science teachers that supports K-12 educators. Join your local CSTA chapter to learn about more professional development opportunities. There are CSTA chapters in nearly every region of New York State.  Learn more and join for free. 

 At Cornell Tech, we support teachers in learning computer science content and teaching strategies through the lenses of equity, rigor and joy. By building deep, trusting coaching relationships with schools and educators, our coaches help create confidence, a sense of belonging, and improved teaching practice. Learn more here. 

 MAD-learn (Mobile Application Development) is a program targeted at upper-level elementary, middle and high school students who are interested in learning about the fundamentals of mobile app design and development. Combining the Design Thinking Process with interactive online learning modules, MAD-learn offers a progressive framework that has something to offer for students and teachers of all skill levels and curricular settings. Learn more here. 

 The Computer Science for All (CS4All) initiative offers a number of programs focused on helping schools to expand computer science (CS) exposure, offer access to robust CS experiences, and foster a sense of belonging in computer science for students. Learn more. 

 NYSCATE (The New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education), is a non-profit, 501(c)3 professional organization representing technology using educators and administrators in New York State. Offers workshops including this CS Standards Webinar and their Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards unpacking learning pathway to earn up to 25 hours of CTLE credit for free.   Learn more. 

 BootUp is dedicated to empowering elementary teachers and students through computer science and creating equitable computer science programs in underrepresented and underserved communities. Since 2015, BootUp has worked with almost 477 elementary schools impacting over 150,000 students, providing in-person professional development, coaching, and resources that prepare teachers to facilitate coding, computational thinking, and computer science instruction. Learn more here. 

 The Code.org Professional Learning Program is hosted by their Regional Partner, Mouse, and is designed to prepare teachers before and during their first year teaching computer science with three widely used curriculum options. Code.org CS Fundamentals is for grades K-5, Code.org CS Discoveries for grades 6-10 and Code.org AP CS Principles is for grades 9-12. Learn more here. 

The Software Engineering Program Junior (SEPjr) is a high-quality computer science program for kindergarten through fifth-grade students that balances rigorous and meaningful direct instruction with open-ended creative computing.  Learn more here. 

NYSED has awarded grant funds to 17 groups to assist in the professional development of K-8 teachers in their knowledge and expertise of the NYS Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards that were adopted in December 2020. Find a Smart Start project near your school here:

BJC’s AP CSP curriculum, developed at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Education Development Center, emphasizes the joy of creating complex and beautiful computer programs and engages students in critical reflection on the social implications of new computing technologies. The course uses the block-based programming language Snap! and has a project-based approach in which students collaborate on projects across a variety of contexts (e.g., mathematics, art, games). ​In addition to all the required AP CSP content, BJC introduces students to complex programming topics including recursion and higher order functions in an accessible way.  Learn more here. 

The College Board has two Advanced Placement Computer Science courses: CS Principles and CS A.  Teachers can access information about how to teach these two courses directly through the College Board with supplemental resources through approved curriculum providers.

Click here for more information about AP CS Principles.

Click here for more information about AP CS A.

Technology Education And Literacy in Schools (TEALS) is a free Microsoft Philanthropies program that builds equitable, sustainable computer science programs in high schools. They help classroom teachers learn to teach computer science on their own by pairing them with industry volunteers and proven curricula. Learn more.

 The Computer Science for All (CS4All) initiative offers a number of programs focused on helping schools to expand computer science (CS) exposure, offer access to robust CS experiences, and foster a sense of belonging in computer science for students. Several high school curricula are offered each summer to teachers through the initiative. Learn more here. 

 At a time when computer science affects how we work and live, PLTW Computer Science empowers students in grades 9-12 to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. Learn more.

The School of Interactive Arts (SIA) is pre-college program in game development. SIA teaches high school students the art and science of game development, a field full of opportunity but lacking in workforce diversity. Learn more.

Vidcode has well-organized, linear course pathways for upper elementary (3-5), middle school (6-8) and high school (9-12) that are aligned to national standards. Learn More.