• Deep dive on the K-8 Technology Applications TEKS

• Computational Thinking

• Ways to integrate Technology Applications TEKS into core curricula

• Cybersecurity

• Physical Computing - Micro:bits

• AI 

• Introduction to text-based coding

• Receive a comprehensive 3-day hybrid training to equip you as a trainer at no cost.

• Earn a $3,000 stipend (to individual or entity) after training 30 teachers or $1,500 after training 15 teachers (to individual or entity) 

• Receive two sets of ten micro:bits

• Each of the 30 teachers you train will receive two sets of ten micro:bits.

Each entity is limited to two trainers who will receive stipends and physical computing packages, as we aim to recruit trainers from all regions of Texas. While entities can send more than two trainers to the Professional Development Academy, stipends and physical computing packages will be allocated to a maximum of two trainers per entity, which will extend to the 30 teachers they each train.

You cannot split the stipend (e.g., $1,500 to you and $1,500 to your organization). You must determine how the stipend will be allocated based on how your initial training attendance is funded and when it occurs.

• If you pay for your own travel and attend the training outside your contracted hours, you are responsible for completing all required teacher trainings on your own time. Only then will the stipend (partial or full) be paid directly to you.

• If your organization funds your attendance at the initial training and you complete the required trainings during your contracted work hours, the entire stipend (partial or full) will be paid to your organization/school/district rather than to you personally.

All participating teachers must register for the training you conduct through our registration system. You will need to maintain a sign-in sheet for each day of your training, as well as submit documentation of participant completion of the asynchronous course. Upon confirmation that either 15 or 30 teachers have attended your training and completed the asynchronous course, we will send the appropriate stipend to you or your entity. 

Teachers will receive a 2 sets of 10 Micro:bits, which includes:

• 20x BBC micro:bit V2 boards – available in 4 colors red, yellow, green & blue (please note you cannot select the color of the micro:bit you will receive)

• 20x micro USB cable

• 20x battery packs (for batteries)

• 20x packs of 2x AAA batteries

• 20x quick start user guides, safety leaflets, cardboard battery pack holders and stickers

Trainers will receive their own sets of physical computing packages at the Professional Development Academy they attend to facilitate their training sessions.

Teachers who complete the Launch_K5 CS training will receive a code to order their physical computing package, which will be shipped directly to them.

Yes! This is an opportunity for you to bring the training back to your region and/or school district! 

You are welcome to train as many teachers as you like. However, we can only provide up to 120 physical computing packages in total (equivalent to 60 teachers if each teacher receives two packages), and packages are not provided for fee‑based trainings. All participant information must be submitted for reporting purposes.

If you do not train 30 teachers by the end of December 2026, you will not receive the full $3,000 stipend. However, you are still eligible to receive a partial stipend if you train at least 15 teachers.

Trainers are required to go through a 2-day in-person Professional Development Academy so they can be trained on all content. This Academy will include various topics related to K-8 Technology Application TEKS. When trainers turn this training around to teachers, it will look slightly different based on your timeline delivery.  

We suggest the following model:

Day 1: 

Day one will provide an overview of the Technology Applications TEKS. Participants will then dive deeper into the Computational Thinking and Digital Citizenship strands. The schedule is based on an 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. workday, with a one-hour lunch break.

Day 2: 

On day two, teachers will deepen their understanding of coding principles through hands-on practice with the Micro:bit. They will explore how to apply these principles within their specific subject areas. The schedule is based on an 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. workday, with a one-hour lunch break.

Day 3: 

Asynchronously - all teachers will go through a self-paced course that will go through the basics of CS/CT as laid out in the first strand of the K-8 Technology Applications TEKS.

Teachers will go through only 2 days of in-person training, but the 3rd day (6 hours) will be an asynchronous course. The commitment of the trainer will still be training for 2 days (with a strong recommendation to complete the canvas course), and the commitment of the participant will still be 3 days (2 days in-person, one asynchronous). 

Trainers have flexibility in scheduling these sessions (consecutively or non-consecutively) as long as all trainings are completed by December 2026. 

Each trainer must train 30 different teachers to qualify for the full stipend and to receive physical computing packages. However, the structure and scheduling of the training sessions can be determined by the entity. Multiple trainers may also collaborate to train a larger group of teachers. For example, two trainers in the same district may jointly train 60 teachers. The same guidelines apply when training for a partial stipend.

After training the initial 30 teachers, entities may train additional educators using Launch_MS CS resources and materials. If you choose to charge a fee, please charge no more than $400 per teacher for the 3‑day hybrid training.

Package eligibility: Teachers trained in fee-based sessions will not receive a physical computing package from us. Teachers trained in no‑fee sessions remain eligible for packages (up to the overall program cap of 120 packages total, equivalent to 60 teachers if each teacher receives two packages).

Data reporting: Entities must submit all participant information for reporting purposes.

All participating teachers must register for the training you conduct through our registration system. You will need to maintain a sign-in sheet for each day of your training, as well as submit documentation of participant completion of the asynchronous course.