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: December 3, 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

February 28, 2026
- Principles of Computer Science Seminar (PCSS)
- In-person hub orientation focused on computational thinking and major components of the project.

March 2 – April 10, 2026
- 6-Week Pseudocode Bootcamp (Part I)
- Introductory programming fluency course for participants.
- 1 virtual evening session per week (typically 5:30–8:30 p.m.)

April 20 – June 5, 2026
- Foundations of CS for Teachers Course
- Asynchronous course with 1 virtual evening session per week (typically 5:30–8:30 p.m.)

June 17 – July 2, 2026
- 2026 R-STEM CS 8–12 Summer Institute
- Two-day in-person institute focused on the Foundations of CS for Teachers course and Pseudocode Bootcamp (Part II).
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

June 29 – July 24, 2026
- CS 8–12 Certification Prep Days
- Two-day in-person professional development sessions (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
- Greater Houston area hubs will be combined. Dates TBD

August 14, 2026
- Teachers Must Challenge Exam

September 28 – December 5, 2026
- Fall Academic Sessions
- Passed: CS Pedagogy virtual courses
- Need to Retake: Additional domain nights and certification prep classes (test by December 31, 2026)

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TExES EC-12 Technology Applications Pathway

February 28, 2026
- Principles of Technology Applications Seminar (PTAS)
- In-person hub orientation focused on technology applications, core competencies, and major components of the project.

March 9 – April 26, 2026
- Foundations of Tech Apps for Teachers
- Asynchronous course with 1 virtual evening session per week (typically 5:30–8:30 p.m.)

May 11 – June 14, 2026
- Synchronous Foundations of Tech Apps Canvas Course
- Multiple synchronous meetings facilitated by ITM within this period.
- 1 virtual evening session per week (typically 5:30–8:30 p.m.)

June 17 – August 1, 2026
- 2026 Hub Summer Institutes
- In-person summer institute (minimum of 3 days) hosted by hubs.
- Focus: Lead Tech Apps EC–12 Certification Prep

August 14, 2026
- Teachers Must Challenge Exam

September 28 – December 5, 2026
- Fall Academic Sessions
- Passed: Experience CS Training
- Need to Retake: Additional domain nights and certification prep classes (test by December 31, 2026)

Application

Applications closed January 147, 2026

Applicants will be notified of their status on or before February 27, 2026. 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
- Principles of Computer Science Seminar (PCSS): 1 day, in person
- Pseudocode Bootcamp (Part I): 6 weeks, virtual
- Foundations of CS for Teachers Course: 6 weeks, virtual
- Foundations of CS for Teachers Course and Pseudocode Bootcamp (Part II): 3 days, in person
- CS 8–12 Certification Prep Days: 2 days, in person
- Complete CS 8–12 Practice Packet
- Must challenge the CS 8–12 exam by August 14, 2026
- Attend Fall Academic Year experiences in CS pedagogy and/or additional test prep

PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Professional development stipend: $3,000
- Additional $2,000 for success on the CS 8–12 certification exam
- Testing fee reimbursed for up to three exam attempts

TExES EC-12 Technology Applications Pathway

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Principles of Technology Applications Seminar (PTAS)- 1 day in person
- Foundations of Tech Apps for Teachers-6 weeks virtual
- Tech Apps Practice Exam Canvas course- 6 weeks hybrid
- R-STEM Tech App Summer Institute- 3 days
- Must challenge the Tech Apps EC-12 exam by August 14, 2026
- Attend Fall Academic Year experiences in CS pedagogy and/or additional test prep

PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Professional Development Stipend $1,800
- Additional $750 for success on certification exam
- Testing fee reimbursed for up to three 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.}