teachcs
One-day Teacher Workshops in June, 2026 on Coding, Robotics, AI, and Cybersecurity at the LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education
$500 stipends per workshop available
Monday, June 15: (K-5) Using the Makey Makey to Code Projects
Tuesday, June 16: (K-5) Robotics for Young Children
Wednesday, June 17: (4-12) Activities in Cybersecurity
Thursday, June 18: (4-12) Activities in Programming Robotics with AI
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Using the Makey Makey to Code Projects: (K-5)
In this workshop, teachers will explore the use of the Makey Makey. When paired with block-coding platforms like Scratch, students can create interactive projects. Participants will receive a Makey Makey to take with them.
Robotics for Young Children: (K-5)
In this workshop, teachers will explore robotics that involve little to know reading skills. Teachers will explore a Roversa robot as well as Ozobots and Edison robots. Participants will receive a Roversa robot to take with them.
Activities in Cybersecurity: (4-12)
In this workshop, teachers will be engaged with unplugged concepts of cybersecurity, such as check-digit codes and RSA mapping. Teachers will participate in a Cybersecurity simulation at the University of Akron's CyberRange.
Activities in Programming Robotics with AI: (4-12)
In this workshop, teachers will investigate the basics of robotics and will program a balance arm using coding produced through AI. Teachers will apply this knowledge to other practical applications. Participants will receive an Arduino robotics kit to take with them.
Through funding provided by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, teachers who participate in the above workshops can obtain a $500 stipend plus 6 CEU's per workshop.
Teachers may obtain a graduate credit at a reduced tuition rate of $180 for each two workshops completed by 1.) applying to UA as a graduate student and submitting official transcripts (if applicable), 2.) completing two workshops, 3.) completing a graduate assignment, and 4.) paying the reduced tuition rate of $180. Teachers may obtain two graduate credits by completing all four workshops.
To register, complete this form.
Add a K-12 Computer Science Endorsement onto a teaching license at the LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education
The LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education offers a K-12 Computer Endorsement program over the course of one year.
- The LeBron James Family Foundation’s Computer Science Endorsement program at the University of Akron is a 16 credit-hour program at the graduate level. The program provides a teacher with the knowledge and skills to teach programming at any grade, K-12, to program Lego robotics and physical computing components, to program both block-based and text-based code so as to teach through high school programming, and to teach these using best computer science teaching practices. Candidates for the program should have or should be working towards an Ohio teaching license at any grade band. Teachers obtain a K-12 computer science endorsement on their teaching license upon taking and passing the OAE 054 computer science exam. Grant funding covers program tuition, books and supplies, and testing fees.
Teachers can add the Computer Science endorsement to an existing or expected Ohio teacher’s license (any grade band or subject).
- Complete the courses, and take and pass the Ohio Assessment for Educators Computer Science Exam 054.
- UA has been providing this program since 2024. Of those teachers in the program who have taken the 054 exam as of March 30, 2026, 83% (14 out of 17) have passed the exam on the first attempt.
New for 2026-27: Teachers can receive up to $1500 in stipends by completing program milestones of completing summer courses, completing academic year courses, and completing an OAE exam.
The Computer Science Endorsement Program consist of three courses (16 graduate credit hours) beginning in May and finishing in December. Courses can be completed remotely.
- EDCI 575 Coding in the Classroom (3 credits): Intersession semester
Robotics, middle grades programming, physical computing projects. Effective teaching practices and the impacts of computing.
Intersession: May 4 – June 5, 2026 (with flexibility options for late-comers),
Asynchronous with optional lab days Tuesdays 4:00-6:00
- CPSC 506 Intro to Python (4 credits): Summer semester
An introduction to programming in Python.
Summer I: June 8 – July 10, 2026, 8:00-10:00 (M - F)
Online live (with options to watch recorded lessons).
- MATH 589 Combinatorial Mathematics with JavaScript Applications (3 credits): Summer semester
Concepts of Discrete Mathematics with applications in JavaScript programming.
Summer II: July 13 – August 7, 2026 Asynchronous with optional on-campus activities.
- CPSC 505 Intro to Computing Concepts (3 credits): Fall semester
Algorithmic thinking and data analysis including searching and sorting algorithms, simulations, and modeling. Programming concepts including debugging and object-oriented programming. Computing systems, networks, the internet, and cyber security issues.
Fall, 2026: Hybrid late afternoon/evening class.
- EDCI 585 Applying Coding in the Classroom (3 credits): Spring semester
Application and demonstration of effective teaching principles within the coding environment. Apply knowledge of inquiry-based computer science curriculum, strategies for fostering an inclusive computer learning environment, and developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and practices. Includes 50 hours of field experience. Includes 50 field hours.
Spring, 2027: Online field course. 50 hours of field and documentation.
Courses can be applied toward the Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at UA.
The cohort for the Summer of 2026 may be capped due to limitations on funding. To express interest in the program, complete the following form:
Questions? Email us at teachcs@uakron.edu
Funding for all tuition, course fees, and testing preparation and registration during the 2024 and 2025 school years provided through a grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.