Frequently Asked Questions:
CS Pathway Professional Learning Sessions
As part of UTeach Austin’s CS Pathway, you will take two professional learning sessions designed for high school teachers without a background in computer science: Computer Science Principles and Computer Science A.
The sessions follow UTeach’s principles: They engage students in authentic learning through project-based instruction, which encourages problem solving, critical thinking, and group collaboration.
The Sessions
What are AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A?
- UTeach AP Computer Science Principles is an inclusive session designed for all students to explore programming, computational thinking, and the impacts of computing on our lives.
- UTeach AP Computer Science A is a rigorous, college-level session designed to prepare students for advanced coursework and potential career pathways in computing. You must take Computer Science Principles before you take Computer Science A.
You can learn more about the sessions from these flyers we provide for high school counselors who are considering recommending the sessions for their schools.
What credit will I get for taking the sessions?
- UTeach AP Computer Science Principles provides 35 hours of CPE (continuing professional education) credit. This session is College Board–endorsed, which means it may be substituted for an AP Institute session (often required for AP CS teachers) for high school students. This session does not count for university credit.
- UTeach AP Computer Science A provides 56 hours of CPE credit. This session is College Board–endorsed, which means it may be substituted for an AP Institute session (often required for AP CS teachers) for high school students. This session does not count for university credit.
What You Will Learn
What will I learn in the summer CS sessions?
- You’ll become familiar with the project-based AP Computer Science curriculum, often from the perspective of a high school student.
- You’ll practice the collaborative, project-based instructional strategies necessary to teach the project-based AP CS session successfully.
- You’ll explore background computer science content in the context of session activities.
- You’ll master College Board requirements and expectations for AP implementation.
Who will be participating in the summer CS sessions?
- During the online sessions, pre-service teachers (you!) will join in-service teachers in preparing to potentially teach AP Computer Science sessions.
- The majority of participants are in-service teachers (some new to teaching CS and some experienced high school CS teachers), so this is a unique opportunity to learn alongside them.
Time Requirement
How much time do these sessions take?
- During each week, participants meet for a two-hour synchronous online session and then complete approximately five hours of self-paced modules with on-demand support from facilitators.
- UTeach CS Principles professional learning workshops will take approximately 35 hours to complete over a 5-week timeframe.
- UTeach CSA professional learning workshops will take approximately 56 hours to complete over an 8-week timeframe.
Session Dates
What date options are available for summer 2023 PD?
UTeach AP Computer Science Principles
- May 4 – June 1, 2023 (meets weekly on Thursdays 4–6 pm CT) *Recommended Option
- June 7 – July 5, 2023 (meets weekly on Wednesdays 4–6 pm CT)
- July 12 – August 9, 2023 (meets weekly on Wednesdays 4–6 pm CT)
UTeach AP Computer Science A
Remember that you must take Computer Science Principles before you take Computer Science A.
- June 8 – July 27, 2023 (meets weekly on Thursdays 4–6 pm CT)
Am I a good candidate to become a computer science teacher?
YES! Just like we want every high school student to have the chance to explore how computing shapes our society, we need more educators prepared to teach CS courses and integrate computing skills into non-CS sessions.
