Check Out Our CSEL Schedule!

NEW DATE: March 18, 2026 (Rescheduled February 2, 2026)

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Virtual workshop

The purpose of this academy is to help administrators successfully meet the computer science mandates outlined in Illinois legislation by following research-informed practices for creating an implementation plan. These plans will guide administrators to to create sustainable computer science programs that help students learn the computer science and computer literacy skills necessary to be successful in an increasingly technological world.

Presenter: Charity Freeman

March 25, 2026

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Virtual workshop

Details:

Bring coding into your content area teaching in a fun, hands-on way.  Join our free 2-hour online studio for K–12 content area teachers. Learn Scratch & ScratchJr, build and remix projects, adapt ideas for your classroom, and collaborate with other educators. No coding experience needed—help students become creators while practicing computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving across all subjects.

In each session, teachers will:

• Learn or review the basics of Scratch and ScratchJr
• Explore quick teacher project demos
• Build, remix, and adapt coding projects for their own classroom
• Collaborate and share ideas with other educators

Teachers are encouraged to bring classroom topics or lesson ideas, as well as original scratch lessons, to share. We will model ready-to-use activities that help students practice computational thinking, creativity, and problem-solving across all subjects.

Targeted Audience: K-5 Teachers. No coding experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to tinker.

Via ZOOM

Presenter: Diana Silvas & Susan Garr

April 21, 2026

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Virtual workshop

Join this session to learn how to address and overcome challenges to integrating cybersecurity concepts and practices into instruction of English Learners. We will discuss why cyber knowledge and digital citizenship are essential for English Learners and explore various career opportunities afforded by quality cyber education. Then, we will scaffold CYBER.ORG curricular lessons and instructional activities for English Learners to help them enhance language skill development, as well as connect and apply cyber knowledge to their home lives.

Presenter: Charity Freeman

April 24 – 25, 2026

Summer Institute Part 1:

Building Computationally Curious Classrooms for Multilingual Learners

In-person workshop

Location: Q-Center 1405 N 5th Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174

May 21, 2026

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Virtual workshop

Join this session to learn how to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) tools and concepts into multiple subject areas (e.g., math, science, and writing), while supporting English Learners in language skill development. We will evaluate and utilize curated AI tools and curricular resources to create and/or modify lessons, activities, and instructional materials that support differentiated instruction of English Learners. Then, we will discuss strategies for helping English Learners understand the impact of AI in their everyday lives.

Presenter: Charity Freeman

More information coming soon!

June 12 -13, 2026

Summer Institute Part 2:

Reading the World, Designing Solutions: CS Across the Curriculum

In-person workshop

Location: Q-Center 1405 N 5th Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174