R-STEM
CS Secondary Certification Hub

About R-STEM CS Secondary Certification Hub

The R-STEM CS Secondary Certification Hub is a 1-year computer science certification program offered for certified K-12 educators in Greater Houston in partnership with WeTeach_CS. WeTeach_CS is dedicated to the mission of the CS for All movement by building the capacity of K-12 educators with the content knowledge and skills needed to bring high-quality computing education to their students. Specifically, the WeTeach_CS Secondary Certification Hub is focused on helping TX teachers gain certification in Grades 8-12 CS and Technology Applications. Recognizing that some educators may feel daunted by the prospect of adding computer science to their professional portfolio underscores a significant challenge in pursuing "CS for All." Addressing these concerns involves ensuring that all educators, regardless of their background in computer science, are provided with the necessary resources, tools, and support networks to bring CS education to their students effectively.

*Contingent upon funding

Informational Zoom Meeting: January 8, 2025 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Join here

Participation once accepted includes one of the following pathways:

• TExES CS 8-12 Certification Pathway

• TExES EC-12 Technology Applications Pathway

Dates and Times

TExES CS 8-12 Certification Pathway

Welcome Meeting - In person
- Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 9am - 3:00pm

Programming Language Immersion (CMU CS-Python based) - 40 hours / Online-Asynchronous w/ Facilitator
- Dates: Weekly Evening Virtual Sessions from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (5 total) | March 19th, March 26th, April 2nd, April 9th, and April 16th

Virtual Weekly Pseudocode Prep Sessions
- Dates: May 11th - June 6th

Summer Institute for Foundations of CS for Teachers - 40 hours / Online-Asynchronous w/ Facilitator (In-person). The remaining courses to be completed by July 10th (approximately 8 hours per week)
- Dates: June 11th, June 18th, June 25th, July 7th and July 17th | 9:00 am to 3:00pm, at Rice University

CertIfication Prep training - (4-day training) / IN-PERSON
- Dates: TBD at Rice University

CS 8-12 Practice Packet - 120 Practice Questions + Quizzes & Exam / Online - Self-Paced
- Dates: To be completed before challenging the exam

Academic Year experiences in CS pedagogy and/or additional test prep
- Dates: Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

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TExES EC-12 Technology Applications Pathway

Welcome Meeting - In-person
- Dates: Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 9am-3:00pm

6-Week Asynchronous Opportunity to work through resources
- Dates: March 10th - April 20th, 2025 with Virtual Office Hours Offered

Tech Apps Practice Packet - 120 Practice Questions + Quizzes & Exam / Online - Self-Paced
- Dates: May 11th - June 6th, 2025 with Virtual Office Hours Offered

Tech Apps EC-12 certification prep - (3-day training) / IN-PERSON
- Dates: July 21st - July 23rd, 2025 | 9:00am-3:00 pm at Rice University

Curriculum (aligned to Fundamentals of Computer Science or Computer Science Principles)
- Dates: TBD depending on which program participants chooses

Academic Year experiences in CS pedagogy and/or additional test prep
- Dates: Fall 2024 - Spring 2025

Application

Apply Here

The deadline to apply is January 21, 2025

Applicants will be notified of their status on or before February 17, 2025. Space is very limited and subject to funding availability, therefore, completing the application process does NOT guarantee placement in the program.

Please make sure these dates work for you!

Due to funding restrictions, all applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or permanent resident to apply.

Benefits & Expectations

TExES CS 8-12 Certification Pathway

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Welcome meeting
- Programming Fluency Course(CMU CS - Python based)
- Pseudocode Prep Virtual Sessions
- Foundations of CS for Teachers (hybrid)
- In-person certification prep 4-day training
- CS 8-12 Practice Packet
- Must challenge the CS 8-12 exam by August 31, 2025
- Academic Year experiences in CS pedagogy and/or additional test prep

PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Professional Development Stipend $2,000
- Additional $1,000 for success on CS 8-12 certification exam
- Testing fee reimbursed for up to two exam attempts

TExES EC-12 Technology Applications Pathway

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Welcome meeting
- 6-Week Asynchronous Opportunity to work through resources
- Tech Apps EC-12 certification prep 3-day training
- Tech Apps EC-12 certification prep practice questions
- Tech Apps Practice Packet
- Must challenge the Tech Apps EC-12 exam by August 31, 2025
- Academic Year experiences in CS pedagogy and/or additional test prep
- Curriculum training to earn up to an additional $450 stipend!

PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Professional Development Stipend $800
- Additional $200 for success on certification exam
- Testing fee reimbursed for up to two exam attempts

*Contingent upon funding

Program Flyer

To view and download the WeTeach_CS program flyer click here.

R-STEM CS Secondary Certification Hub Administration

If you have any questions about the R-STEM CS Secondary Certification Hub, you can contact the Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM).

Brittany Templeton
Assistant Director for Computer Science and Mathematics
713-348-8218 | bt36@rice.edu

^{*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
**Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply.}