2025 Professional Learning Institutes
CSforMA Professional Learning Institutes feature intensive train-the-trainer courses in emerging technologies that track closely to our Digital Literacy and Computer Science standards and licensure requirements.
While the cost to offer these workshops is $1750 per educator, thanks to significant contributions from our business partners, Code.org, and DESE, we are able to offer scholarships for educators in MA public schools. For educators in private schools, we can provide scholarships for those that serve a large number of underrepresented minorities or economically-disadvantaged populations. All applications from eligible educators will be automatically be given scholarships – all you have to do is register!
Lodging is available for those commuting more than 25 miles each way. Breakfast and Lunch are provided.
Session 1: June 24-26 in Norwood, MA
Location: Norwood Conference Center at the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood, 1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062
Date and time: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 8:00 AM – Thu, Jun 26, 2025 4:00 PM
AT CAPACITY: Sign up for the identical session July 21-25 (below) or join the waiting list.
Discover CS as a learner first! This workshop uses curricular examples from elementary core curricula to teach foundational concepts such as computational thinking, algorithms, and programming. If you are an elementary teacher who is curious about teaching computer science, this workshop is for you!
3 days in-person
Discover CS as a learner first! This workshop uses curricular examples from middle school and high school core curricula to teach foundational concepts such as computational thinking, algorithms, and programming. If you are a middle or high school teacher who is curious about teaching computer science, this workshop is for you!
3 days in person
In this workshop, participants can focus on either PK-6 or 5-12 DLCS Research competency licensure goals. Gain the knowledge required for DLCS PK-6 Research competency or the 5-12 Research Competencies necessary for a DLCS practicum and/or Subarea 2 Digital Tools and Collaboration test. Participants will come to understand the overall PK-12 research process and organization, information tools, and evaluation of resources resulting in the completion of a culminating project.
This course provides 1 Subject Matter Knowledge requirement towards the 12 required for a DLCS PreK–6 license.
1 day workshop + 2 hours virtual follow-up session
This 1-day workshop is offered on Tuesday June 24 and Wednesday June 25. Both workshops are the same. Choose the one that fits your schedule. the 2-hour virtual follow-up will combine both groups.
Designed to give students direct experience with topics like digital sensors, data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI), FarmBeats for Students empowers educators to inspire their students with exciting possibilities at the intersection of technology, agriculture, and sustainability.
The program combines an affordable micro:bit-based hardware kit with free curated curriculum and activities designed to give students hands-on experience in precision agriculture. The learning progression enables students to easily see the impact of modern tools and the opportunities within agriculture. FarmBeats for Students can be run using any device with a web browser, making it easily accessible for everyone. Read more: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/educator-center/instructor-materials/farmbeats-for-students
1 day in person
AT CAPACITY: Sign up for the waiting list.
This two-day, hands-on workshop is designed for educators who want to move beyond exploring text generative AI for prompt writing and task completion.
Through hands-on challenges and tinkering, workshop participants will strengthen their foundational understanding of AI by truly examining, evaluating, and understanding AI output. Turn-key AI literacy activities and experiences will be provided that can be used in any school or classroom setting.
2 full days in person
This one-day workshop for AP CSA teachers will review the new College Board AP CSA updates for 2025-2026 and explore new Java content using exercises in the CSAwesome (version 2) e-book. Teachers will be able to update their current materials and develop new activities based on the revised CED. Teachers of any AP CS-A course are welcome to attend!
Empower girls in your community by engaging them in Technovation’s free technology entrepreneurship program. Teams of girls ages 8-18 design app-based tech solutions to a community or global problem and pitch their ideas in a worldwide competition
Join us to learn about the program, and gain experience with App Inventor! We will practice beginner tutorials, and get you comfortable with the Technovation Program.
1 day in-person
Join the App Inventor Foundation for a one-day workshop to showcase human-centered artificial intelligence (AI) and data-science curricular units with new MIT App Inventor user interface, AI, and data science features!
The App Inventor Foundation curricula takes an ethics-first approach (based on the UNESCO AI Competency Frameworks) to teaching with generative artificial intelligence (GAI). MIT App Inventor has new GAI components (ChatBot & ImageBot) and new data-science mathematics and visualization components.
1 day in-person
Blend art, computer science, and project-based learning in this hands-on professional development session, no previous Python experience needed!
Participants will quickly create their own pixel art projects (like scrolling text, a pulsing heart, or a smiley face) using imagi’s beginner-friendly platform, and bring them to life on the imagiCharm, a fun, programmable device that makes coding tangible and exciting.
Throughout the training, you’ll:
- Build foundational coding skills and explore core concepts like variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and data structures
- Learn how to integrate AI tools, foster inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms, and bring computer science into any subject area
- Experience collaborative coding challenges, real-world applications, and project-based learning using imagi’s standards-aligned curriculum
- Receive structured planning time to support implementation back at your school
Session 2: July 21-25 in Worcester, MA
Location: Doherty Memorial High School, 299 Highland St, Worcester, MA 01602
Date and time: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 8:00 AM – Fri, Jul 25, 2025 4:00 PM
Discover CS as a learner first! This workshop uses curricular examples from elementary core curricula to teach foundational concepts such as computational thinking, algorithms, and programming. If you are an elementary teacher who is curious about teaching computer science, this workshop is for you!
3 days in-person
Discover CS as a learner first! This workshop uses curricular examples from middle school and high school core curricula to teach foundational concepts such as computational thinking, algorithms, and programming. If you are a middle or high school teacher who is curious about teaching computer science, this workshop is for you!
3 days in-person
Attention elementary educators! Are you ready to enhance your classroom with computer science? We’ll explore fundamental CS lessons from code.org and Scratch as well as physical computing devices like Makey Makey, Micro:bits, and Hummingbird. Learn how to teach computer science as a standalone subject or integrate it into other subjects. Continue learning with an additional four days of PD during the year as well! Note: This course covers CS Fundamentals (code.org) and Springfield CSforAll’s physical computing unit.
This course provides 7 Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) requirements towards the 12 required for a DLCS PreK–6 license.
5 day in-person + 4 in-person weekend days in the fall
This course prepares educators to deliver a course with a wide lens on computing. Students build websites, apps, games, and explore physical computing devices. CS Discoveries is a core CS course in MA that is appropriate for grades 6 – 10, and can be taught as a semester or year-long introductory course. The 9-day professional development (five summer and four academic year) prepares educators to teach CS topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data.
5 days in-person + 24 hrs virtual school year coaching
Code.org’s new CSAIF: Computer Science and AI Foundations curriculum introduces students to the core principles and real-world applications of computer science. This new course from Code.org is designed for high school students with or without prior computer science experience. CSAIF course empowers learners with essential skills to provide a comprehensive understanding of our dynamic digital world! Read more at https://courseinfo.code.org/csaif/
5 days in-person + 24 hrs virtual school year coaching
This course introduces educators to text-based programming. Pre-requisite: basic understanding of block-based coding (e.g., Code.org, Scratch, MakeCode, etc.).
5 days in-person
Algebra II + Data is a new approach that introduces a set of Data Science lessons in a regular Algebra II or Math 3 course. In this workshop, teachers will engage with lesson materials designed to ground core Algebra II concepts in real-world data analysis. No prior coding experience is necessary. This is a three-day course.
4 1/2 days in-person plus monthly virtual support during the academic year
CyberWarrior and CSforMA are partnering to offer a Cybersecurity Training Platform designed specifically for high school students who are eager to explore the world of cybersecurity. This program equips students with essential skills in ethical hacking, network security, cryptography, and digital forensics, preparing them for future careers in cybersecurity or related fields. The curriculum is modular, spanning a total of 200 hours, and includes a custom-built online learning platform, proprietary content, hands-on labs, and a Capture the Flag games platform. Additionally, educators and students can access on-demand support from CyberWarrior cyber coaches for instructional guidance. High school educators are invited to join us for this 5-day course so they can be prepared to offer the first year of Cybersecurity in 2025-26.
5 days in-person plus 5 days virtual follow-ups during the academic year
This one-day workshop leads administrators through considerations about using artificial intelligence in their schools.
This workshop introduces administrators to the discipline of Computer Science, how to evaluate equitable curricula and teaching methods, and how to ensure that ALL students are able to take and be successful in the subject area. Returning administrators will dive more deeply into the content area and implementation strategies in breakout sessions. (Friday provides an opportunity to visit to other workshops, and is optional.)
Session 3: July 28-August 1 in Worcester, MA
Location: Doherty Memorial High School, 299 Highland St, Worcester, MA 01602
Date and time: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 8:00 AM – Fri, Aug 1, 2025 4:00 PM
In this workshop, elementary educators will learn effective strategies to teach students the digital literacy concepts outlined in the MA DLCS standards.
This course provides 4 Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) requirements towards the 12 required for a DLCS PreK–6 license.
5 day in-person
CSP introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. The AP Program designed AP Computer Science Principles with the goal of creating leaders in computer science fields and attracting and engaging those who are traditionally underrepresented with essential computing tools and multidisciplinary opportunities. This equity-based curriculum can be taught as an introductory class and as an AP course.
5 days in-person + 24 hrs virtual school year coaching
Introduce students to software engineering and object-oriented design while they learn the Java programming language in this curriculum for AP® Computer Science A from Code.org (CSA). This curriculum covers the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures, the development and implementation of algorithms, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems.
5 days in-person + 24 hrs virtual school year coaching
Discover computational thinking with Scratch! Educators will design animations, stories, and games with this block-based programming platform and gain an understanding of how to incorporate it into their teaching. Explore differentiation opportunities such as personalized projects. Consider implementation options for bringing computational thinking with Scratch into the curriculum as a standalone course or distributed across the curriculum.
5 days in-person
In this hands-on workshop, educators will become both creators and designers with the micro:bit. They will learn how to code with MicroBlocks and MakeCode; bring projects to life with sensors, servo motors, and NeoPixels; and create fun, content-focused lessons that integrate digital creativity across the curriculum.
5 days in-person
Whether you are new to teaching computer science, or experienced but new to teaching an introductory level, this course will prepare you to teach ECS to high school students. Rooted in equity, inquiry, and accessible CS concepts, ECS promotes the practice of evidence based instructional strategies to introduce students to computer science content. We will build a learning environment that encourages teachers to take autonomous roles and develop a growth mindset in the process.
In this course, students explore the breadth of computer science as they address problems relevant to their lives and identities. Beginning with human-computer interaction, the stage is set for a deeper understanding of the impact of technology on global society. Students then experience how computers solve problems with hands-on activities, and apply these skills when making websites, coding animations, and processing data. This course is accessible to and inclusive of all students. See more on exploringcs.org
5 days in-person + 24 hours virtual school-year coaching
Learn effective techniques and build confidence in teaching CS through hands-on, project-based learning experiences. LEGO® Education supports educators in acquiring the competencies necessary to foster student success and engagement. Learn skills and strategies for teaching CS in grades 6-8, while unpacking how LEGO Education lessons teach CS concepts and skills. Discover techniques for developing students’ computational thinking skills and ability to understand data representation and manipulation.
5 days in-person
This 2-day workshop, led by experienced school counselors, prepares counselors to evaluate equitable curricula and teaching methods, to ensure that ALL students are able to be successful in computer science. (Friday provides an opportunity to visit to other workshops, and is optional.)