The PrepareCS program builds the capacity of schools of education to prepare equity-focused computer science teachers. Through in-person and virtual activities, Schools of Education and state CS education leaders collaborate to add CS to teacher education programs. 

While access to high quality CS education in K-12 schools has increased over the last decade, the goal of reaching all students in the US has not been achieved, largely due to a lack of trained CS teachers. Additionally, equity in computer science is a perpetual problem, with issues of representation and access continuing to plague the field. This problem is multidimensional, encompassing school administrators who control student class schedules, students’ pre-existing interest, and pedagogical norms in CS that reify societal beliefs about who belongs and can succeed in computing. Fortunately, an increasing number of states have added CS standards and requirements.  New teacher candidates will need to understand computer science, including state standards and licensure options, as they graduate and begin work in K-12 schools.