Help Wanted: Computer Science Teachers! @Microsoft Panel Discussion

As states and districts pursue policies and implement programs that expand access to computer science in Pre-K-12 schools, they face many challenges. One of the largest: The computer science teacher workforce and how to grow it. Few institutions of higher education have preservice teacher preparation programs in computer science, and in 2015, only 51 college graduates across the country received an initial teaching certification in computer science. Every state has clear pathways for mathematics and science teachers, but only 29 states have similar policies for preparing computer science teachers. The lack of clear and consistent preparation and certification creates confusion among teachers, school districts, and state education authorities, ultimately undermining the growth and sustainability of the field.

Please join Microsoft and the American Institutes for Research for a panel discussion that will explore what it takes to provide the preparation and support needed for teachers to successfully teach computer science. The discussion will also explore the state of computer science licensure and credentialing and the challenges state, district, and local education leaders face in finding time in the school day to ensure all students have access to computer science. This panel will discuss these and other key policy issues that must be addressed to meet the state, district, and local demand for computer science education in Pre-K-12 schools in the United States.

View the live stream of the event at aka.ms/MIPCLive

Follow the discussion on Twitter at #EducationWorkforce

Opening Remarks

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-3)
Member, House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee

Moderator

Allyson Knox
Director of Education Policy and Programs, Microsoft

Panelists

Melissa Rasberry
Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, American Institutes for Research

Cameron Wilson
Chief Operating Officer and President, Code.org Advocacy Coalition

Jennifer Smith
Computer Science Teacher / Early Career Teacher Mentor, Digital Harbor High School

Light refreshments will be provided.