Professional Development for Teachers

 2 Pathways for Professional Development

(I)  C-STEM Implementation 

or

(II) Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program and C-STEM Implementation

Flyer for the CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program

This CS Credential Program is expanding. We are recruiting Part-Time Computer Science Instructors

Professional Development Schedule

I. C-STEM Implementation 

C-STEM is a UC Approved Educational Preparation Program for undergraduate admission to all UC campuses. UC Davis C-STEM has over a decade of experience in providing professional development for K-12 teachers, including those without any prior coding experience, on Computer Science (CS) and integrating CS into STEAM education.   C-STEM offers professional development for C-STEM implementation.  With this objective, the recommended training is C-STEM Academy I/Course 1 which is 30-hours long.  Please click here to find out when C-STEM Academy I is offered.

II. CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization & C-STEM Implementation 

For K12 educators who are interested in completing a CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program, UCD C-STEM and UC Riverside Extension jointly offers a CTC-approved training program.  UC Riverside Extension has been a leader in offering CTC-approved  credential programs and educator professional development certificates. They have been providing the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Credential Program since 2018. Starting Summer 2022, UC Davis C-STEM, in partnership with UC Riverside Extension, has been jointly offering the California Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization program.

The following  sequence of professional development courses in the joint UC Davis and UC Riverside Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program will meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements. These courses will prepare K-12 teachers with fundamental CS knowledge and pedagogy to teach any K-12 standards-compliant computer science curriculum.

1. Introduction to Teaching Computer Science
2. Programming and Integration of CS into STEAM Teaching
3. Development of Integrated CS and STEAM Curriculum with Physical Computing
4. Computer Programming in C
5. Data Structures and Software Design

Complete the first course to get a certificate as UC Davis C-STEM Certified Educator. Complete four courses to earn an Introductory Authorization and teach in grades 9 and below, or add the fifth course to earn a Specific Authorization to teach up through grade 12. Teachers will be able to teach CS classes or integrate CS and data science into their existing classroom teaching with computational thinking, computing practice and programming, impacts of computing, physical computing, Arduino as a communication device for data collection and data analysis with visualization, engineering, data structure and algorithms, software design, etc., aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and English Language Arts and Literacy Standards.

Participants can opt to take the courses as non-credit, for credit, or for CEUs. Credit is required for each course in order to earn the CS Supplementary Teaching Credential. 

Although these PD courses allow K-12 teachers to obtain a Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential to teach any K-12 CS standard compliant CS curriculum, it is not necessary to complete all the courses to get started integrating hands-on coding into your teaching. For example, after completing the first course in the sequence, participants will be ready to teach the C-STEM K-12 Math and CS Curriculum, including Common Core compliant Mathematics with Robotics and Computer Science Standards compliant Computer Science with Robotics curricula, as well as Afterschool and Summer Robotics Camps and Robotics-Math Camps. To teach C-STEM curriculum using text-based coding, including most of these UCOP A-G Approved courses, it is recommended that you also take the course Computer Programming in C. Take Course 5 to teach AP Computer Science Principles. See some of C-STEM success stories on integrating CS into K-12 math education to close the achievement gap.

To teach C-STEM Curriculum, take the course/s as follows:

• Take Course 1 to start implementing RoboBlocky based Math and CS curriculum into teaching.  Additional training or taking additional courses are optional.
• Take Course 1 and Course 2 to integrate RoboBlocky based Math and CS curriculum into teaching with more experience and depth.
• Take Course 3 to develop curriculum, RoboPlay Challenges, and integrate Arduino into teaching
• Take Course 4 on integrate Ch/C/C++ based programming into learning Math and CS
• Take Course 5 on teaching AP Computer Science Principles

To complete CS Specific Authorization Program, there are six different schedule pathways:

• Year 1:  take all five courses in one year.
• Year 1, take Courses 1 and 2.  Year 2,  take Courses 3, 4, and 5.
• Year 1, take Courses 1 , 2, and 3. Year 2, take Courses 4 and 5.
• Year 1, take Courses 1 and 4.  Year 2, take Courses 2,  3, and 5.
• Year 1, take Courses 1 and 5. Year 2, take Courses 2,  3, and 4.
• Year 1, take Courses 1, 4, and 5. Year 2, take Courses 2 and 3.

Course 1

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Academy I
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.01 Introduction to Teaching Computer Science

• Prerequisites: Computer Literacy
• Instruction Hours: 30 
• Number of Units (quarter units): 3
• PD Tuition Cost: $600
• Optional UC Credit Fee (includes "Completion Verification" services for CTC application): $135

Course Description:
This course develops an understanding of the basics of computer science (CS) and best practices in teaching it. Topics include fundamental principles and structures of computing practice and programming, computational thinking, block-based programming, basic robotics with virtual robots for teaching CS, solving and visualizing math and science problems with plotting and image processing, effective pedagogical strategies and techniques, including project-based personalized and collaborative learning, and integrating CS with motion of multiple robots, art, music, and storytelling into STEM education for both formal and expanded learning aligned with K-12 Computer Science Standards.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Design and write block-based computer programs based on the fundamental principles and structures of programming
• Design and write programs to solve and visualize math and science problems using plotting and image processing with computational thinking
• Control multiple virtual robots using computer programs
• Implement sound and engaging pedagogical strategies for teaching computer science, including project-based personalized and collaborative learning
• Use a course management system in constructing a CS course and interacting with students and their work
• Integrate CS into STEM education for both formal and expanded learning, aligned with  K-12 Computer Science Standards

Course 2

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Academy II
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.02 Programming and Integration of CS into STEAM Teaching

• Prerequisites: C-STEM Academy I/CS X458.01 Introduction to Teaching Computer Science
• Instruction Hours: 40 
• Number of Unitsv(quarter units): 4
• PD Tuition Cost: $800
• Optional UC Credit Fee (includes "Completion Verification" services for CTC application): $180

Course Description:
This course develops an understanding of key topics in computer programming and best practices in integrating CS into STEAM teaching. Topics include computational thinking, data structures and algorithms, decision making, random numbers, arrays, count loops, math operations and plotting, data analysis and visualization, input/output, functions, human-computer interaction and impacts, and simultaneous execution of tasks. Participants will also study the integration of computer science activities and applications into STEAM teaching aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and English Language Arts and Literacy Standards. In addition, they will gain knowledge and experience in project-based learning.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Use arrays, loops, and math operations to visualize and analyze data
• Write programs that implement conditional statements for decision making
• Create programs that use elements of graphical user interfaces for user input and output
• Implement modularization and procedural abstraction by writing more complicated programs using functions
• Program multiple virtual robots for simultaneous movements and interactions
• Align and integrate CS instruction with K-12 Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and English Language Arts and Literacy Standards
• Understand the principles, promise, and pitfalls in human-computer interaction on both an individual and societal level
• Use project-based learning activities for CS and STEAM instruction

Course 3

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Academy III
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.03 Development of Integrated CS and STEAM Curriculum with Physical Computing

• Prerequisites: C-STEM Academy I/CS X458.01 Introduction to Teaching Computer Science
• Instruction Hours: 40 
• Number of Units (quarter units): 4
• PD Tuition Cost: $800
• Material Purchase:  Arduino Basic Kit for purchase here ($30 for an individual kit)
• Optional UC Credit Fee (includes "Completion Verification" services for CTC application): $180

Course Description:
In this course students design and develop interactive programming lessons and activities for CS and STEAM topics, including the use of digital devices and systems. Topics include randomized activities, graphical user interface (GUI) elements for student interaction and formative assessment, physical computing with Arduino and I/O devices, secure communication between devices, data collection and data analysis with visualization, and software tools and integration strategies for creating a customized curriculum according to students’ grade and cognitive levels in math, science, and language arts and literacy. Participants will work in groups on collaborative projects that implement project-based learning. Participants will also learn strategies for using makerspaces and robotics competitions to engage students, build teamwork, and encourage collaborative learning. They will develop competition challenges for students and learn how to organize local competitions for schools and districts.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Understand best practices for designing math, science, English language arts and literacy, and engineering lessons and activities integrated with computer science
• Create interactive and randomized programming activities
• Create programming lessons with multiple examples and solutions to teach and illustrate key concepts
• Implement GUI elements such as prompt boxes, radio buttons, checkboxes, and click locations for student interactivity
• Create tests and check and respond to student inputs to provide formative and summative assessments
• Write programs to control and monitor Arduino microcontrollers and basic I/O devices and sensors
• Understand how communication between computing devices works and the security issues involved
• Use Arduino to collect data and analyze the collected data for studying data science aligned with the new Mathematics Framework and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
• Align and integrate CS instruction with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Mmath, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) science, and English Language Arts and Literacy Standards
• Work collaboratively to design and complete a programming project
• Design and organize makerspaces and robotics/CS/STEAM competitions

Course 4

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Institute I
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.04 Computer Programming in C

• Prerequisites: C-STEM Academy I/CS X458.01 Introduction to Teaching Computer Science
• Instruction Hours: 40 
• Number of Units (quarter units): 4
• PD Tuition Cost: $800
• Textbook Cost:  $158 for Computer Programming with Ch ($69) and Common Core Math 7th Grade Math with C/C++ Interpreter Ch ($89), purchased through UC Davis.
• Optional UC Credit Fee (includes "Completion Verification" services for CTC application): $180

Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to C programming in a user-friendly integrated learning environment. Topics include C operations in a Command Shell, C syntax, program structure, variables, data types, math operations, input/output, relational operations, selection statements, repetition, random numbers, functions, arrays, visualization with 2D and 3D plotting, data files, debugging techniques, computational thinking, and strategies for teaching the C-STEM math, CS, and robotics curriculum using Ch/C/C++ in alignment with relevant standards.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Teach the C-STEM math, CS, and robotics curriculum with user-friendly version of Ch/C/C++
• Use a Command Shell to demonstrate basic mathematical operations and interactive execution of programming statements in C
• Understand data types, variables, and precision
• Write interactive and modular programs that implement user input/output and selection and repetition structures
• Write and read data files
• Write code for graphical visualization and 2D and 3D plotting of data
• Use a user-friendly integrated learning environment to write, run, analyze, and debug programs
• Integrate C programming and computing activities into CS and STEAM curricula in alignment with relevant standards

Course 5

UCD C-STEM Professional Development Title: C-STEM Institute II
UCR Extension Course Number & Title: CS X458.05 Data Structures and Software Design

• Prerequisites: C-STEM Institute I/CS X458.04 Computer Programming in C
• Instruction Hours: 40 
• Number of Units (quarter units): 4
• PD Tuition Cost: $800
• Optional UC Credit Fee (includes "Completion Verification" services for CTC application): $160

Course Description:
This course builds on Course 4 in the Credential program by providing an introduction to more advanced programming in C and computer science topics, including pointers, struct, linked lists, software design, pseudocode and flowcharts, data representation, data structures, abstraction, searching and sorting, digital networks, and societal issues and impacts of computing. The principles of modular software design are studied and illustrated with advanced C programming features such as pointers, structs, and linked lists. Pedagogical principles and strategies for teaching AP Computer Science Principles and creating compelling lessons and activities will also be covered.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Understand how data is represented, stored, and structured in computer systems
• Use pseudocode and flowcharts for software design
• Write code to create simulations
• Compare the similarities and differences between arrays and lists and the use cases for each
• Implement linear and binary search algorithms and sorting algorithms
• Understand the human and technical limitations of computing, including types of errors, numerical accuracy, algorithmic efficiency, and undecidable problems
• Compare and contrast the designs of sequential, parallel, and distributed computing and fault tolerant systems
• Analyze the beneficial and harmful effects of computing, including security and privacy issues
• Implement pedagogical principles and strategies in creating lessons and activities for AP Computer Science Principles

Notes:

1. To receive the certificate as C-STEM Certified Educator or obtain teaching credential, participants need to have the grade C- or above.
2. Teachers will have an option to purchase the Credit units or CEU within 20 business days following the completion of a course.
3. The total PD cost is $3,000 per teacher for the four courses for the Introductory Authorization, or $3,800 for the five courses for the Specific Authorization. The total PD cost plus credit/CEU fees is $3,675 ($3,000 + $675) for the Introductory Authorization and $4,635 ($3,800 + $835) for the Specific Authorization.
4. UCR Extension provides "Completion Verification" services and can submit applications to CTC on behalf of teachers who have completed all of the required coursework. 
5. UC Davis C-STEM and UC Riverside Extension can help School Districts and County Offices of Education Partners apply for funding from the on-going CTC $15M Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Incentive Grant Program. Please contact us for more information. Teachers may also use DonorsChoose to seek funding for taking these professional development courses. 

On-Site Professional Development

C–STEM Center offers on-site training through these courses tailored to your local needs at schools, districts, and county offices of education in the summer and throughout the academic year. For example, C-STEM offers tailored Course 1 for grades 6-9 math teachers in Los Angeles Unified School District to integrate C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum into their teaching. If your organization would like a customized program tailored to your professional development needs or a supporting letter for your grant applications, please contact us. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:  I am going to enroll in a teaching credential program this year. Am I eligible to take these courses?       

• Yes. You can take these courses. But UC Riverside Extension cannot file for the Supplementary CS Teaching Credential for you until you earned a preliminary Multi-subject or Single Subject teaching credential.

Q: Where do I get the signed UC Davis W-9 form?

• Here is the W-9 form.  

Q:  I have a Multiple Subject credential.  Can I get a Specific CS Supplementary Teaching Authorization to teach at the high school level?

• Per the CTC, teachers who hold a Multiple Subject credential can only attach the Introductory Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science.   You are welcome to take Course 5 as professional development, but you will not qualify for the Specific Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science.  The Specific authorization can only attach to Single Subject credentials. The CTC handbook explains, “The Intro supplementary will allow you to teach departmentalized classes related to the supplementary authorization listed on their credential in grades 9 and below."
• This authorization is not the equivalent of a Single Subject credential, and these courses are not the equivalent of meeting the Subject Matter Competence necessary to earn a single subject credential.  Additionally, there is no Single Subject credential in Computer Science:  it does not exist.  We recommend contacting your employer for guidance on their requirements to teach CS at the high school level. 

Testimonials from Participants of C-STEM Professional Development

Oh my gosh! I barely can contain myself….soooo fun!!! So challenging and so rewarding at the same time!!!

Jessica Fernandez, Math Teacher, Glen Edwards Middle School, California

This was incredible. I have been to A LOT of trainings, and this was by far the best!

Allen Thoe, Computer Science Teacher, Citrus Valley High School, California

I really loved this training. In over 20 years of teaching I can’t remember another one I enjoyed so much.

Sandy Andersen, Math Teacher, La Sierra High School, California

Simply the best staff development training I have ever been to. In my experience, practicing classroom teachers always give the best advice, and the UC Davis C-STEM program offers this.

Doug Obrigawitch – Math Teacher and Department Chair, Manteca High School

“I've been to A LOT of PD’s. This is one of the best PD's I've had in A LONG time!  Robotics activities are really enjoyable! Love how the math is connected with coding. The kids will have A BLAST using this program and enjoy learning again! Thank you!!!!”

Janice Fojas, 4th Grade Teacher, Baldwin Elementary, Hacienda La Puente USD

“Thank you! This is one of the best trainings I have attended. I am excited to bring this into the classroom.”

Shanna Bhatt, 4th Grade Teacher, Redlands USD

 

“This was the best training I have been to in while! ”

  Erica Kimball, 7-8th grade teacher, Stella Brockman Elementary, Manteca USD

 

“This is the best training I've attended in my role as a teacher. ”

  April West, Weston Ranch HS, Manteca USD

 

“I learned SO MUCH!!!! I like engaging activities and the ability to make a program on my own! So exciting. I will use my experiences and new knowledge to support the coding and math in my class. The learning environment was ideal! I never felt stressed or nervous. THANK YOU!!! ”

  Jenna Jamison, 4th Grade Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

"I loved the ability to research and create my own solution to a problem. This really allows the students to incorporate their creativity in a more exciting way. This also teaches them to work through and overcome obstacles. Competition is always great! I learned the meaning of teamwork. :) Keep being awesome!"

Cassandra Palafox, 10th Grade Math Teacher, River Delta Unified School District

"I was able to work with my team to use the DREAM engineering design method to solve a unique problem about garbage trucks. I am looking forward to teaching my 1st graders how to problem solve using this method! I learned about competitions and RoboPlay! I loved the sneaky math component in the robotics competition. I really enjoyed the RoboPlay competition, the dilating (cow twister). Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and time with us!"

Jacqueline Danielson, 1st Grade Teacher, Center Joint Unified School District

"I like how I can use the curriculum to integrate coding and hands on math to bring math alive for the students …Fun, exciting, and lots of opportunities for kids to learn from their mistakes."

Catherine Ouellette, Kindergarten Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD

"I learned how to teach mathematics to multiple levels in a very fun and exciting way. This was literally the most engaging training I've had. I loved how exciting and engaging it was as well as getting to collaborate with other staff members. Thank you so much for this training it was very helpful."

Ashley Darby, Elementary School Teacher, Fresno USD

I just wanted to let you know how great the UC Davis C-STEM training has been!   In my career I have seen a positive transformation of teaching math.   We used to teach direct math lessons of algorithms for the students to learn and memorize by way of worksheets to ensure they knew how to find correct answers on tests.  The focus was on the "knowing what to do".   It was very inefficient and the end result was just a basic understanding of math concepts.  Today the shift is Direct Interactive Math Lessons to ensure the students understand the concrete functions of mathematic principles BEFORE they learn/use the algorithms.  The focus now is to have the kids "understand what to do" of math concepts from  the teacher lessons to then apply them to deepen their hierarchy of learning (Blooms Taxonomy).  This has been a struggle.  We had manipulatives which were not very practical.   But... this training of C-STEM has been the missing key of that transformation to the kids learning math concepts concretely before transitioning them to abstract application!!   This training and use of the robotics and programming skills that are taught has been the best professional development training of my 28 year career!   I am very grateful to be a part of it and my classroom is a more efficient and more effective place to learn because of it.

Thank you very much!

Roland Hosch, 5th Grade Teacher, Redlands USD

I genuinely had fun watching the robots on the mat and I can't wait to watch my kids experience the same excitement. I feel confident in assigning my kids assignments now, so I'd say you guys did a great job. Task accomplished!

Courtney Blunt, 4th Grade Teacher, Elite Public Schools

Thank you for such a fabulous training!! Where else can you go for training and play with toys! Your support for us all is so appreciated!

Sandra Suzuki, Calla High School, Manteca Unified School District

The trainers did an amazing job taking very divergent topics (programming, robotics, math) and making it all very accessible for me.  It all came together.

Glen Warren, McPherson Magnet, Orange Unified School District

Excellent program.  I really enjoyed learning to integrate Algebra into coding.  It makes a lot of sense, I didn’t know it was possible to just jump in and teach robotics but now I feel confident.  I love the support we received; I can’t stop thinking of different ways of teaching my classes with robotics and programming.

Marilyn Cunneen, Marina High School, HBYHSD

WOW!!!
Top notch instructors and instruction, excellent facilities and great group of teachers in attendance.  I don’t always get a chance to thoroughly enjoy a workshop with such high standards.

Mickey Bowen, K-12 STEM Outreach Director, Edwards Air Force Base

This was exceedingly fun and valuable. With the new Common Core State Standards, I can see many uses and support through robotics & programming. This was one of the better training classes I have been to.  It got me excited to take this back to my classroom.

Daniel Leedy, Corona Del Mar H.S., Newport Mesa U.S.D

Was outstanding and super useful as it will allow me to align already existing curriculum developed by my PLC at my school site. I had been trying to integrate computer coding in my lessons, this workshop will save me a lot of time and provide additional tools and resources.

Edwin Contreras, Hillsdale High School, San Mateo Unified School District

The training was outstanding for me, with little or really old programming experience. Can’t wait to use this in class!

Karen Brown, Fallon Middle, Dublin Unified

I really enjoyed the C-STEM P.D. I am looking forward to integrating the bots and programming into my science curriculum. My students will see the real world process of developing and programing their machine.

Sara DeCuir, Hanford Elementary School District

I was over the moon with all of the curriculum and programs. Very well designed! I absolutely loved all the activities! They were helpful in that I get to experience what students will be doing.

Jim Parsons, Fallon Middle School, Dublin USD

The C-STEM P.D. day made me see how technology could be implemented into our middle school. This could help students career. Instead of abstract book work students will be able to apply what they have learned in a meaningful way.

Viet Dinh, Fallon Middle, Dublin USD

I learned that I love computer programming and if you can get me to love this then you must be doing something right! If I love it then it will be so much easier to inspire my students.

Amber Rafferty at Cambridge Elementary

I am overwhelmed by how you accommodated our group. I have never experienced a PD that was so concerned with the feedback of their attendees, thank you so much for all your hard work, it was truly amazing to be a part of this workshop!

Thank you thank you thank you thank! I never thought the phrase “computer programming” and my name would ever be in the same sentence and now I just sit on my couch and program for fun. I am so excited to bring this to my classroom.

Kelly Matson, 6th/7th/8th Grade Math & US History