3495 Views (as of 05/2023)
  1. Melissa Rasberry
  2. https://www.air.org/person/melissa-rasberry
  3. Principal Education Consultant
  4. Presenter’s NSFRESOURCECENTERS
  5. American Institutes for Research
  1. Victoria Lennon
  2. Senior Communications Specialist
  3. Presenter’s NSFRESOURCECENTERS
  4. American Institutes for Research
  1. Joseph Wilson
  2. https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephpatrickwilson/
  3. Principal Consultant, STEM and CS Education
  4. Presenter’s NSFRESOURCECENTERS
  5. American Institutes for Research

CS for All Teachers

NSF Awards: 1836310

2021 (see original presentation & discussion)

Grades K-6, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Teaching computer science can be a lonely proposition: You might be the only one in your school either teaching CS or wanting to start a CS program. CS for All Teachers brings together PreK-12 teachers of computer science in a virtual community of practice so they can collaborate and share expertise and resources to successfully make CS come to life in the classroom. In this video, experience the community and all it has to offer educators wanting to ensure computer science for all.

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Discussion from the 2021 STEM For All Video Showcase (16 posts)
  • Icon for: Melissa Rasberry

    Melissa Rasberry

    Lead Presenter
    Principal Education Consultant
    May 10, 2021 | 03:43 p.m.

    Hello everyone, and thank you for checking out our video! Computer Science for All Teachers (CS for All Teachers) is a virtual community of practice, managed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), for preK-12 teachers who are interested in teaching computer science. It is free to join and supports all teachers from novice to veteran in the CS education space.

    CS for All Teachers has four goals:

    • Connect novice CS teachers with the resources and people they need to learn rudimentary CS knowledge and skill
    • Cultivate a deeper sense of learning for intermediate CS teachers to improve their teaching practice
    • Challenge veteran CS teachers to enhance their leadership skills to support their colleagues and advocate for computer science education.
    • Contribute research to the field about how best to support CS teachers virtually.

    One of the most exciting things about the CS for All Teachers project is that the resources, blogs, webinars, and chats are created by our community ambassadors—teacher leaders from across the country who take ownership of the work and serve as representatives of their peers. With professional development and ongoing support from project staff, community ambassadors are the driving force behind the community. New ambassadors are selected annually, with our next round of recruitment opening soon, so if you have a strong interest in supporting CS teachers across the country, visit https://www.csforallteachers.org/ and join our community today!

    To begin our discussion, we have a few questions for showcase participants:

    • What do you see as the most pressing needs of PreK-12 teachers of CS?
    • How do those needs differ by grade level(s) taught (if applicable)?
    • In what ways can a community like CS for All Teachers support your work as a researcher? 

    We look forward to this week's discussion! 

     
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    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Victoria Lennon
    Brian Foley
    Bridina Lemmer
  • Icon for: Barry Fishman

    Barry Fishman

    Facilitator
    Professor
    May 11, 2021 | 04:45 p.m.

    Impressive work (and great animations!). I love the "for all TEACHERS" frame, and that you have built a successful network. I'm curious about how you got the network started up? Was there a particular strategy to incentivize early participation? The numbers you share are impressive - and speak to a sustainable network. As someone who has struggled to get learning communities up and running, I'm want to know more about how you got here!

     
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    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Melissa Rasberry
    Joseph Wilson
    Brian Foley
  • Icon for: Melissa Rasberry

    Melissa Rasberry

    Lead Presenter
    Principal Education Consultant
    May 11, 2021 | 06:00 p.m.

    Great questions, Barry! The community was first launched as the CS10K Community, which borrowed its name from the NSF initiative (CS10K) that aimed to prepare 10,000 high school CS teachers. That early participation came from the NSF-funded CS10K projects, with the community space being where all the participating teachers could access resources and classroom materials -- PLUS talk to one another. 

    The biggest lesson that I've learned through the years is that learning communities need to feel like a regular part of the work. They shouldn't be something extra, but more a routine element that supports the ongoing learning activities. 

  • Icon for: Barry Fishman

    Barry Fishman

    Facilitator
    Professor
    May 11, 2021 | 06:03 p.m.

    +1 to that insight. Teachers have enough to do - they certainly aren't looking for "more work."

     
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    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Melissa Rasberry
  • Icon for: Victoria Lennon

    Victoria Lennon

    Co-Presenter
    Senior Communications Specialist
    May 11, 2021 | 07:58 p.m.

    We appreciate your kind words, Barry. Melissa noted in her welcome post that we have a group of teacher leaders who serve as community ambassadors and enough can't be said about the resources and engagement they provide throughout the school year. Here is link to current cohort: https://www.csforallteachers.org/Community-Amba.... They are our "special sauce," ensuring that timely, credible, and relevant information is continuously available to members. 

     
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    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Barry Fishman
  • Icon for: Margie Vela

    Margie Vela

    Facilitator
    Senior Program Manager
    May 12, 2021 | 10:48 a.m.

     This is a great network! And an impressive project. 

    I am really curious about the practical steps you have taken to grow this network. When teachers become part of the CS for All member, how are they welcomed into the community and connected to more experienced teachers? Also, do you hold regular trainings or meetings for the network?

    Great work!

     
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    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Melissa Rasberry
    Joseph Wilson
  • Icon for: Victoria Lennon

    Victoria Lennon

    Co-Presenter
    Senior Communications Specialist
    May 12, 2021 | 02:01 p.m.

    Hi Margie - thank you for your questions and feedback! One of the key ways we've grown the community is by establishing both formal and informal partnerships with similar, mission-focused organizations that support preK-12 CS education. For example, we are a partner of TERC, which runs the showcase. And because we are a virtual community, having a strong digital presence also is key. Our virtual community at https://www.csforallteachers.org/ has content being added by members on daily basis. Our @csforalltchrs Twitter account (https://twitter.com/CSforAllTchrs) shares out resources and engages daily with followers. 

    When teachers become members of the community, they are automatically added to the CS in the Wild discussion group, which is facilitated this year by Community Ambassadors Naomi Harm and Kiki Carozza. In addition, new members are encouraged to join other discussion groups on areas of interest or grade band. New members can also select to receive daily updates on what's being posted to the community and receive our monthly newsletter. In terms of meetings, we hold monthly interactive webinars that are hosted by our ambassadors. Our first happens to be scheduled for tomorrow evening, and I encourage you to register to get a feel for  these: https://www.csforallteachers.org/event/webinar-.... Finally, we also host live Twitter chats. 

     
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    Joseph Wilson
  • Icon for: Brian Foley

    Brian Foley

    Facilitator
    Professor
    May 12, 2021 | 11:12 a.m.

    I think one of the keys to setting up a social network like this is to have resources that teachers need. As you mention in the video there is a great need for CS teacher support. Given the numbers of teachers who are participating you are definitely providing resources that they need (and I need!  I need to figure out these microbits!)

    I am curious about how you interact with local groups who support CS teachers. I see the website has an area for groups and there are many listed. What have you learned about connecting national and local networks?

     
    2
    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Melissa Rasberry
    Joseph Wilson
  • Icon for: Melissa Rasberry

    Melissa Rasberry

    Lead Presenter
    Principal Education Consultant
    May 12, 2021 | 12:15 p.m.

    Thanks for the kind words, Brian, and for the terrific question! Our support focuses primarily on virtual activities to assist those teachers who may not be affiliated (or aware of) local groups. We encourage teachers to join CSTA and their local chapters as well as other organizations who can support them in-person. We also partner with other national organizations to share information, resources, and activities that will benefit members of our community. CS teachers need all the support they can get!

    Oh, and as for Micro.bits, check out this upcoming webinar that we are offering: https://www.csforallteachers.org/event/webinar-...

     
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    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Joseph Wilson
  • Icon for: Brian Foley

    Brian Foley

    Facilitator
    Professor
    May 12, 2021 | 04:33 p.m.

    I saw that one - just what I need.

     
    3
    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Joseph Wilson
    Melissa Rasberry
    Victoria Lennon
  • Icon for: Toby Baker

    Toby Baker

    Researcher
    May 13, 2021 | 02:57 p.m.

    Collaboration is key! As a co-presenter and researcher of IC4, collaboration is in the title. People learn more when they collaborate with peers in a group setting, particularly teachers. A community develops as a result of the common interests. I love how CS Teachers have a support teach throughout their teaching! 

    Great video!

     
    3
    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Joseph Wilson
    Melissa Rasberry
    Victoria Lennon
  • Icon for: Victoria Lennon

    Victoria Lennon

    Co-Presenter
    Senior Communications Specialist
    May 13, 2021 | 04:48 p.m.

    Couldn't agree more, Toby! It was great to learn about the IC4 project as well. 

     
    1
    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Joseph Wilson
  • Icon for: Donna Stallings

    Donna Stallings

    Informal Educator
    May 17, 2021 | 10:08 p.m.

    Is this network open to receive pre-service or first year teachers?  This is a great way to get new teachers off and running

     
    2
    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Joseph Wilson
    Victoria Lennon
  • Icon for: Victoria Lennon

    Victoria Lennon

    Co-Presenter
    Senior Communications Specialist
    May 18, 2021 | 11:27 a.m.

    Hi Donna - yes, it is open to first-year and pre-service teachers! In fact, we strongly encourage new teachers to join the community so they can connect with experienced teachers. New teachers also will find a TON of resources they can use starting on day one in the classroom. Thank you for your comment. 

     
    1
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    Joseph Wilson
  • Icon for: Deborah Seehorn

    Deborah Seehorn

    NC ECEP State Lead
    May 18, 2021 | 11:21 a.m.

    Great video!  This virtual community of practice is so critical to the success of teachers in bringing CS to all students.  Thank you!

     
    2
    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Joseph Wilson
    Melissa Rasberry
  • Icon for: Melissa Rasberry

    Melissa Rasberry

    Lead Presenter
    Principal Education Consultant
    May 18, 2021 | 11:56 a.m.

    Thank you, Deborah! I know you understand well what CS teachers need to be successful. 

     
    1
    Discussion is closed. Upvoting is no longer available

    Joseph Wilson
  • Further posting is closed as the event has ended.