Computer science educators reflect on the impact of CSPD Week and the importance of hands-on professional learning opportunities.

This July, educators from across the state gathered in Anaheim, CA for CSPD Week, a dynamic week of professional development in computer science education. The event brought together over 200 educators and paraprofessionals from 35 counties across California for an immersive, high-quality professional learning experience, combining CS standards-aligned content with culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy.

Participants learned new CS teaching skills, explored educational technology platforms, and built community with fellow educators committed to advancing computer science education in California. Workshops covered a diverse range of CS topics—from teaching coding fundamentals, to integrating artificial intelligence, to incorporating equity-minded instruction. Community-building activities included a baseball game, a walk to downtown Disney, and plenty of time for swimming and relaxing!

Guided by the vision that all students should learn CS and all teachers can teach CS, CSPD Week offerings were tailored to all experience levels—ensuring valuable learning opportunities for new and experienced CS teachers alike. Educators at CSPD Week also reflected the diversity of California’s students—67% of participants identified as women, and 32% of participants identified their race/ethnicity to be Native American, Latino/a/x, or African American.

As the flagship Summer of CS event, CSPD Week is a dynamic component of Seasons of CS, a research-backed professional learning model for K-12 educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and school counselors who are interested in bringing computer science to their students. Seasons of CS is made possible by the California Department of Education with funding from California’s Educator Workforce Investment Grant. 

To build on these workshops’ impact, CSPD Week participants are invited to participate in ongoing community of practice gatherings—in addition to autumn, winter, and spring Seasons of CS workshops open to educators throughout the year. 

Thank you to all educators who attended CSPD Week. We are thankful for California's continued investment in CS education, and look forward to next summer!