Applications Now Open for Code.org Professional Learning Cohort!

The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network is now accepting applications from Tennessee educators for the Code.org Professional Learning Program. Code.org’s Professional Learning Program is an intensive, year-long learning experience for middle and high school educators interested in teaching concepts from Code.org’s Computer Science Discoveries (middle school) or Computer Science Principles (high school) courses. Participants will explore Code.org’s curriculum and tools, experiment with teaching strategies, and join a local community of teachers using this curriculum.

“Every student deserves to learn the foundational concepts of computer science and computational thinking to be prepared for the high-tech STEM jobs of the future,” said Brandi Stroecker, Director of the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. “We are grateful to partner with Code.org to bring their innovative resources and pedagogy to educators and students across Tennessee."

Both CS Discoveries and CS Principles courses will be offered in regional workshops in summer 2020 - one in Knoxville, TN and one in Jackson, TN. The follow-up regional workshops will occur throughout the 2020-2021 academic year in Cookeville, TN and Jackson, TN. Participants may attend either summer workshop (based on geography or available date) but are encouraged to attend the same region for summer and mid-year workshops to develop cohort cohesion.

Tentative 2020 Summer Workshop Dates:

Computer Science Discoveries (Middle School):
June 1 - 5, L&N STEM Academy, 401 Henley Street, Knoxville, 37902
OR
June 1 – 5, Wilder Student Union University of Memphis at Lambuth, 705 Lambuth Blvd, Jackson, 38301

Computer Science Principles (High School):
June 8 – 12, Wilder Student Union University of Memphis Lambuth, 705 Lambuth Blvd, Jackson, 38301 OR
June 15 – 19, L&N STEM Academy, 401 Henley Street, Knoxville, 37902

Program Information:

Priority acceptance will be given to teachers from schools with a free and reduced lunch rate of 50% or higher.

Tennessee educators accepted into the Code.org Professional Learning cohort will have their program fee provided through generous support from the Tennessee Department of Education. The program fee covers teaching materials, workshop supplies, nine days of professional development, and meals during workshops. Also provided are the curriculum, online student learning platform, and access to support from the Code.org community. Additional travel costs are not covered for the summer or academic year workshops. Tennessee educators who complete the summer workshop and at least 3 of the 4 academic year workshops will earn a Computer Science Employment Standard on their Tennessee teaching license.

Apply for the 2020-2021 Code.org Professional Learning cohort by February 16, 2020.