Watch our recent webinar about VCSA and Code.org training to answer many of your questions.

The Vermont Computer Science Alliance is the Regional Partner for Code.org in Vermont. We love that Code.org offers all of it's tools and curriculum under a creative commons license, giving all educators the ability to use and remix it for free. We are excited to get Computer Science of all kinds into K-12 schools including but not limited to Code.org.

By partnering with Code.org we are able to provide professional development to teachers across the state. We are currently looking for teachers of all kinds who are interested in teaching computer science. Code.org is generously funding scholarships for VCSA members who are interested in professional development over summer 2019 to teach computer science in 2019-2020. We also need future facilitators who want to be trained to lead teachers through the code.org curriculum.

Training Available:

• Computer Science Fundamentals (CSF) - For grades K-5, Our six Computer Science Fundamentals courses are designed to be flexible for your classroom. How you implement is up to you - teach CS Fundamentals for your next science unit, use it to support math concepts, add technology time to your schedule once a week, or go deeper with extension activities and projects! New to teaching computer science? No worries! Most of our teachers have never taught computer science before.
  • Audience: Elementary principals, educators, curriculum development, technology integrationists, afterschool coordinators
  • In an effort to strengthen Computer Science skills at the Elementary level and take students beyond an “Hour of Code”, the Vermont Computer Science Alliance is offering four regional workshops this Fall to learn how to implement the Code.org Computer Science Fundamentals curriculum. This is a free, one day standards-aligned research-based curriculum, developed by Code.org and focused on engaging young minds in problem solving and inquiry. To accommodate busy elementary educators, the workshops are held on Saturdays. The Vermont Computer Science Alliance is a partnership between Code.org, the University of Vermont, Vermont Agency of Education, and the Vermont Virtual Learning Collaborative. Click on the link to sign up for a workshop near you. All workshops will run from 8:30 – 3:00, with coffee and lunch provided. Sept 21, 2019 – Springfield; Oct 5, 2019 – Bennington; Oct 5, 2019 – St Johnsbury; or Oct 19 - Burlington. For more information or any questions, contact Greg Young greg.young@vermont.gov
  • Want to go deeper than the Hour of Code? Join us for a one day workshop to learn how to implement code.org’s free K-5 curriculum. Workshops will run from 8:30 – 3:00, with coffee and lunch provided.
  • CSF Training: Sept 21, 2019 – Springfield
  • CSF Training: Oct 5, 2019 – Bennington
  • CSF Training: Oct 5, 2019 – St Johnsbury
  • CSF Training: Oct 19 - Burlington.
• Computer Science Discoveries (CSD) - For grades 6-10, this six module course can be offered as a semester or year long. "Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun."
• Computer Science Principles (CSP) - For grades 9-10, this year long course can be offered as an AP or non-AP course. "The course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. The AP Program designed AP Computer Science Principles with the goal of creating leaders in computer science fields and attracting and engaging those who are traditionally underrepresented with essential computing tools and multidisciplinary opportunities."
  • Both CSD and CSP opportunities will take place in Burlington on June 24 - 28, 2019.
  • Vermont Computer Science Alliance will be providing scholarships to all teachers who meet the scholarship requirements and are accepted into our 2019-2020 program. That means teachers in Vermont are able to participate in this professional learning program at no cost to them or their schools/districts thanks to generous support from Code.org.
  • Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis for teachers who apply by April 17th and are accepted into the program. Applications will automatically be considered for scholarships.
  • The scholarship covers the full yearlong program, including your teaching materials, workshop supplies, 9 days of professional development, and meals during workshops. Additional travel costs and lodging are not covered.
  • The curriculum, online student learning platform, and year-round support are available to your school at no charge.
  • Applications for teachers are now open! Apply at code.org/apply Please contact us at info@vermontcsa.org for more information if you have questions.