Student Competition: Your Voice is Power

Student Competition: Your Voice is Power![]() Pharrell Williams, Amazon Future Engineer, and Georgia Tech invite you to engage your students with Your Voice Is Power, a modular learning experience and competition that provides real-world exploration of the ways music, computer science, and entrepreneurship can be tools to advance equity. The next round opens February 8th, 2022 and closes June 19th, 2022. Learn more at https://www.teachers.earsketch.org/compete. |
Iowa CS Hero Posters![]() We're partnering with Iowa's AEA's and business partners to highlight and celebrate all of the Iowa Computer Science Heroes across our great state! Whether you're a community & business member, educator, or student, we invite you to use this link to create your own Iowa CS Hero poster. We'll share the posters created with educators to help them easily connect students to CS Heroes in our state. |
District CS Requirements, Funding, & Supports![]() Did you know that there are Computer Science requirements for all public and accredited non public schools in Iowa included in the Future Ready Act (HF 2629)? Don't panic! There are multiple funding and professional development opportunities to help your district meet the Computer Science Requirements! Each AEA has resources & PD ready to help your district with this work. |
September 2021 Resource Highlight - CSTA Iowa YouTube Channel![]() Are you looking for resources to support the implementation of CS in your building or district? Did you know that we have our very own YouTube Channel? Check it out for recordings of the learning happening at our chapter meetings! |
Iowa STEM Teacher Awards Nominations![]() Do know an exceptional CS educator? Of course you do! Why not nominate them for the Iowa STEM Teacher Award? Nominations close October 10th, 2021. |
Student Event: American Computer Science League![]() American Computer Science League (ACSL) organizes team computer programming and computer science contests for K-12 schools, organizations and local groups, led by an adult advisor. The 2021-2022 school year will be their 44th year of continuous operation! Last year, over 500 teams in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia participated. |
Student Event: Devs Do Good Hackathon![]() Join central Iowa high school students who are passionate about technology for a 10 hour community hackathon on November 6th, 2021 sponsored by Devs Do Good. You'll build new technology solutions for non-profits, gain skills and make new friends. |
Student Event: Go Further ISU STEM Conference![]() Go Further is a conference for female-identifying students (this includes those who are cisgender, trans, nonbinary) in grades 8-10 to learn about various STEM fields, STEM opportunities at Iowa State, and to interact with female-identifying STEM role models. There are options to attend in person and virtual this fall. |
September 2021 Member Spotlight - Alex Halverson![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Alex Halverson. Alex teaches Math, Physics, and Computer Science and serves as an instructional mentor coach and assistant director of large group speech at Spencer High School. |
CS License Renewal Credit Available for CSTA Iowa & CSTA Events![]() Attend Events. Earn Credit! Need a license renewal credit? Planning to attend CSTA Iowa and CSTA events this year? Sign up for our CS Learning Series and start earning License Renewal Credit today! |
ITEC + CSTA Iowa Partnership & Call for CS Sessions![]() UPDATED 9/15/2021 - ITEC has been postponed until April 13th & 14th, 2022. Stay tuned for information about our partnership in early 2022! CSTA Iowa is proud to announce our partnership with ITEC! We'll be hosting a room dedicated to Computer Science Sessions at the Fall ITEC Conference. Help us by sharing your CS Classroom story during a general session at the conference! Submit your sessions here by September 1st and be sure to tag them with the Computer Science label! |
Save the Date - Virtual Chapter Meetings![]() We've got BIG PLANS for chapter meetings, events, and learning for the 2021-22 school year! First up - save the dates for our Virtual Chapter Meetings on Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:00p on Zoom all year! |
We're STILL looking for leaders like YOU!![]() We're still looking to grow our CSTA Iowa Leadership Team for the 2021-22 year! Please let us know if you'd like to serve as a Regional CS Champion or as a Communication Leader by completing this short survey as soon as possible! |
August 2021 Resource Highlight - Cybersecurity Resources![]() Have you ever thought about adding a Cybersecurity introductory course? Here are some teaching & curriculum resources to check out, most are FREE! |
CSTA Fall Summit - Scholarships Available!![]() We have free scholarships to participate in the fall virtual summit, Cultivating Communities of Learners on Saturday, September 18th! Interested members have 2 QUICK tasks to be eligible for a scholarship. |
Future Ready Iowa Summit Features CS Sessions![]() The 2021 Future Ready Iowa Summit: Transforming Education for the Workforce being held September 16th at the Science Center of Iowa will feature sessions highlighting Computer Science education efforts from across the state! |
August 2021 Member Spotlight - Wendy Bailey![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Wendy Bailey. Wendy is a Computer Science Integration Coach for Fort Madison Community School District. |
CSTA 2021 Virtual Conference is almost here!![]() CSTA 2021 Annual Virtual Conference announcements and resources including CSTA Iowa meet up and Collaborative Resource Document |
July 2021 Resource Highlight![]() CSTA Iowa members have collaboratively created resource lists from many different CS related PD workshops, summits, and regional & national conferences. Checkout the Wakelet with all the resources at https://wke.lt/w/s/pLs6BV. |
July 2021 Member Spotlight - Corey Rogers![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Corey Rogers. Corey is a Digital Learning Consultant at Grant Wood AEA in Cedar Rapids, IA and the CSTA Iowa Chapter President. |
We're looking for leaders like YOU!![]() We're looking to grow our CSTA Iowa Leadership Team for the 2021-22 year! Please let us know if you'd like to serve as a Regional CS Champion or as a Communication Leader by completing this short survey before the end of July 2021. |
June 2021 Resource Highlight![]() Did you know that CSTA has Standards for CS Teachers? Check out all the amazing resources designed to provide clear guidance around effective and equitable CS instruction in support of rigorous CS education for all K-12 students including a self-assessment checklist for K-12 CS educators, recommendations for K-12 administrators including a look-for tool & coaching toolkit, guidance & rubrics for PD providers, and resources for Schools of Education to create robust CS programs. |
June 2021 Member Spotlight - Rob Cunningham![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Rob Cunningham. Rob teaches computer science at Spirit Lake High School at Spirit Lake Community Schools. |
Virtual Data Science Summer Externship Opportunity![]() Interested in a Virtual Data Science Summer Externship opportunity? VMware is seeking business and/or computer science teachers to work on analytical problems and to run project management for analytical teams. These two teachers will work with the Head of Data Analytics & Insights, Seema Singhal. Teachers will be remote--work from home, during the externship. Interested educators should follow this link to apply. Contact Meghan (Reynolds) Lang at reynolds@iowastem.gov with questions. |
ITEC 2021 CS Session Resources![]() Looking for some ideas and inspiration for your CS classroom? There were 15 CS related sessions at ITEC's 2021 Spring Conference in April this year! Check out our resource sharing document to access all the session resources. |
May 2021 Resource Highlight![]() This year, Scratch Day is being transformed into Scratch Week: a global, virtual celebration of Scratch! You and your students are invited to imagine, create, and share along in the Scratch online community during the week of May 17–23, 2021. Share your experience on social media with the hashtags #ScratchWeek & #CSforIA! |
Time Sensitive Free CS PD Opportunities for MS & HS EducatorsThe statewide AEA CS grant team has a limited number of PD spots open for MS & HS teachers on a first come first serve basis for CS Principles, CS Discoveries, and the Online CS Standards Modules. Teacher stipends are included as well as registration costs. ⚠️ Email Corey Rogers at crogers@gwaea.org and include teacher name & email address, the program(s) they are interested in, and their AEA as soon as possible. Registration information will be sent out as soon as seats are confirmed. |
May 2021 Member Spotlight - Dan Carver![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Dan Carver. Dan is the K-5 Computer Science teacher at Carlisle Elementary at Carlisle Community Schools. |
CS Sessions at ITEC next week!![]() Looking for some ideas and inspiration for your CS classroom? There are 15 CS related sessions at ITEC's 2021 Spring Conference April 10 - 16th this year! It's not too late to sign up for access to both pre-recorded and live sessions! |
April 2021 Resource Highlight![]() Last October, we hosted three scheduling & pathways panels for elementary, middle school, and high school teachers. Each panel included amazing computer science educators from across Iowa that shared how they are building CS programs in their buildings/districts as well as some tips and tricks! Check out our breakout room recordings. |
April 2021 Member Spotlight - Mary Hunt![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Mary Hunt. Mary is High School Computer Science & Networking teacher at the Career Center in Sioux City Community Schools. |
Accessible Computer Science: Teacher to Teacher Webinar Series![]() AccessCSforAll is pleased to announce a series of four webinars coming up this spring called “Accessible Computer Science: Teacher to Teacher,” funded by the Infosys Foundation USA. You can find registration links to the three remaining webinars on the CSTA Iowa Events page. |
UNI Online CS Endorsement Program begins June 2021![]() UNI will be starting their third K-12 Computer Science Endorsement cohort program with an online program this June 2021. Contact CSTA Iowa member & UNI Professor Ben Schafer at ben.schafer@uni.edu or visit distance.uni.edu/computer-science for more information. |
Iowa CS Requirements & timelines & supports, oh my!![]() Did you know that there are CS requirements for districts in 2022 & 2023? The Future Ready Iowa Act (House File 2629) was signed into law in June 2020 and includes requirements and timelines for computer science planning and instruction in two phases. Iowa's AEAs are planning supports to help you and your district meet both the requirements and timelines. |
March 2021 Resource Highlight![]() Last month, we hosted three breakout rooms to help you Level up your classroom with grade band specific CS resources including Scratch for elementary, Micro:bit Classroom for middle school, and Recruiting strategies from NCWIT for high school. Check out our breakout room recordings. |
March 2021 Member Spotlight - Erin Chute![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Erin Chute. Erin is the K-12 Instructional Coach and Digital Literacy Coach for the Kingsley-Pierson Community School District. |
Share your CS Story at ITEC in April!![]() We KNOW you're doing amazing things with Computer Science in your classroom! Why not collaborate and share with educators at ITEC's 2021 Spring Conference will be April 10 - 16th this year?! |
February 2021 Member Spotlight - Marisa Dahl![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Marisa Dahl. Marisa is an Instructional Technology Consultant at Heartland AEA and member of the Iowa Computer Science Leadership Team. |
February 2021 Elementary Resource Highlight![]() Looking for ways to engage elementary students in age appropriate Artificial Intelligence learning? Check out EdSquare's free, unplugged lessons about AI and machine learning available as Google Slides and printables! |
You can get FREE CS Teaching Resources!![]() You can get FREE CS teaching resources by applying for one of the 2021-22 STEM Scale-up Program. The Governor's STEM Advisory Council has announced the12 STEM programs included in their 2021-22 Scale-up program which includes 4 programs that address Pre-K-12 computer science. |
Exciting Updates to CS First! Action Required![]() Google's CS First can now be synced with Google Classroom and students can use their G Suite for Education accounts to sign in. This change requires district Google Admin to turn on the service in the Admin Console by February 16th for continued access and teachers to collect parental consent to use CS First. |
Update CSTA Profile Picture & Professional Role![]() CSTA will be pushing out a new resource to all members to help us connect, collaborate and grow as CS teachers and educators, and we need your help! To cultivate this resource, we require members to update data in their member profile. |
CSTA CS Teaching Excellence Award![]() The CS Teaching Excellence Awards are designed to recognize outstanding teaching by K–12 computer science teachers. Winners excel in inspiring students to explore the computer science field, engaging students in learning rigorous standards-aligned computer science content, and broadening the participation of underrepresented students in computing. CSTA will select at least three K-5 CS teachers and three 6-8 teachers of the ten national winners. These awards were made possible by a grant from Infosys Foundation USA. Applications are due February 8, 2021. |
Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Awards![]() The Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Awards honor and recognize 10 all-star teachers working diligently to help students in underserved and underrepresented communities pursue futures in computer science and robotics. Applications are due March 19, 2021. |
Artificial Intelligence Speaker Series for High School Students![]() The Try AI Speaker Series will provide students the opportunity to learn about the career journey of leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals and explore their own AI ideas and questions. Each event will be limited to 20 students to ensure we can have meaningful discussion. This program is open to 10th - 12th graders and first and second year undergraduate students. |
January 2021 Member Spotlight - J. Philip East![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight onJ. Philip East. Philip retired from University of Northern Iowa -- CSEd@UNI and was awarded CSTA's 2019 Volunteer of the Year! |
Opportunity to Learn & Grow CS Equity Together - Please Complete Our Interest Survey![]() The Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) Alliance in collaboration with the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is calling for applications for a new grant program to support projects that focus on equity in K-12 computer science education. CSTA Iowa needs your input so we can submit an application that meets the needs and interests of our members. |
2021 Member Meetings - We're trying something new!![]() CSTA Iowa Chapter meetings will look a little different this Spring. We're hoping to make it easier for you to join us for some content and social time with one meeting per month. |
Happy CS Ed Week!![]() Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual call to action to inspire K–12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field. Celebrate with an hour of code from December 7th - 13th, 2020! Be sure to share your events on social media with the hashtags #CSforIA, #CSEdWeek, and #HourOfCode! |
CSTA's Future of CS Summit![]() Join CSTA on Jan. 16, from 11a to 4 p.m. CT, for The Future of CS: Emerging Concepts in CS Education. |
December 2020 Member Spotlight - Briana Goodenbour![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Briana Goodenbour. Briana is a Math & Computer Science Teacher at Cedar Falls High School at Cedar Falls Community School District. |
CSTA 2019-2020 Annual Report Available![]() CSTA's 2019-20 Annual Report has been released and highlights continued organization growth and new initiatives |
Self-paced Computer Science Standards Courses Now Available![]() Interested in learning more about Iowa's Computer Science Standards? Check out the Iowa Computer Science Standards Self-paced Courses offered on AEA Learning Online for educators. |
CS Ed Week & Hour of Code is Almost Here!![]() 🎉 It's almost the most wonderful time of the year...CSEd Week is December 7th -13th, 2020! 🎉 How do you plan to celebrate? |
Updated Virtual Teaching Resources Page![]() CSTA has updated their Virtual Teaching resource page so you can filter to find the resources you need to support your students. |
CSTA 2021 is Going Virtual & You Should Present!![]() The CSTA Conference will be virtual again in 2021! That means more Iowa CS Teachers can attend AND present. Let's share the awesome CS instruction happening in Iowa with educators across the country! |
November 2020 Member Spotlight - Rachella Dravis![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Rachella Dravis. Rachella is the Teacher Leadership System Coordinator at Fort Madison Community School District. |
Iowa High School Tech Summit![]() Do you know an Iowa high school student looking to learn more about technology-based careers in Iowa? Invite them to attend the Iowa High School Tech Summit Presented by Principal Foundation on Tuesday, November 17th! |
2020 State of CS in Iowa![]() Code.org, CSTA, and the Expanding Computing Education Pathways Alliance recently published the 2020 State of Computer Science Education: Illuminating Disparities. You can view Iowa's state specific report for more information. |
2020-21 Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund (CSPDIF) is Open! Applications due 11/9/2020![]() The 2020-21 Computer Science Professional Development Incentive Fund (CSPDIF) is now open through November 9th, 2020. This is a wonderful opportunity for districts to fund computer science professional development and ensure that all students in Iowa have access to high-quality. PreK-12 computer science instruction! |
October 2020 Member Spotlight - Wren Hoffman![]() This month CSTA Iowa shines a spotlight on Wren Hoffman. Wren is a member CSTA Iowa's Leadership team serving as our Advocacy Agent and is the Computer Science Consultant at the Iowa Department of Education. |
CSTA Virtual Teaching Summit Recap![]() Updates from the CSTA Virtual Teaching Summit including the Collaborative Resource Document |
Just in Time CS LearningWe're highlighting a few ways for CS teachers to experience "just in time" learning this fall. |
August 2020 - Secondary Resource Highlight |
CSTA Iowa Website is LIVE! |
Governor Reynolds signs CS Legislation June 2020![]() As of June 2020, there have been updates to CS legislation that affects the dates and implementation timelines for districts to address Iowa's CS Standards. |