Educate Maine
08/02/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/02/2024 15:08
Recipe for a Summer of Fun
August 02, 2024 · Educators Go "Back to Class" for Week of Computer Science Learning
To Make a Summer of Fun:
Take 137 K-12 educators, mix liberally.
Add dynamic mentors, speakers, and facilitators. Fold in a diverse range of classes.
Shake it up and simmer for five days.
That was the recipe for success this week with Maine's fourth annual "CS Summer of Fun" - an opportunity for teachers to learn how to integrate computer science into their classrooms and curricula.
Host organizations, Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance (MMSA) and Educate Maine say that 137 educators from 81 Maine communities attended this year's weeklong, free professional learning experience at the University of Maine's flagship Orono campus. A collective 2,760 students will benefit as the teachers return to school next month.
There were offerings for school administrators, and a variety of experience levels with nearly 50 sessions ranging from computer science fundamentals to robotics and programming. Whether a teacher was new to computer science or seeking advanced pathways, classes and guidance were available.
A highlight of the week was the Maine Computer Science Education Summit, which featured noted CS equity and policy leader Dr. Joshua Childs of the University of Texas at Austin, and Maine Commissioner of Education Pender Makin. Dozens of business and tech leaders joined education leaders to network and discuss the critical role of STEM learning and computer science in Maine's future workforce.
"From blueberry fields to rocket launch pads, Maine has computer science needs," said Rhonda Tate, STEM specialist at MMSA. "This week was dedicated to supporting the state's educators to meet that challenge."
Key partners this week include the University of Maine and RiSE Center; the Maine Department of Education; EDC; and supported by foundational funding from the Harold Alfond Foundation; Code.org, and The ECEP Alliance as well as generous sponsorships from Tyler Technology, Systems Engineering, and the Roux Institute of Northeastern University.
"We had teachers and educators from around the state who shared one very important motivation," said Angela Oechslie, the program director for Educate Maine's signature Project>Login. "They all want to prepare their students for the future-both education and the workforce."