Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Education

This Ohio Department of Higher Education funded Teach CS professional development (PD) program is designed to increase the number of Ohio teachers qualified to teach computer science and expand the computer science and AI knowledge and teaching skills of existing educators. The program provides continuing education for Ohio pre-K–12 teachers, including teachers in any subject area, generalists, teachers seeking advanced content knowledge, and teachers seeking to teach computer science under ORC 3313.6033. Professional development is aligned with Ohio’s current learning standards for computer science.

The program consists of a series of three non-credit PDs focused on computer science and AI education. No prior computer science experience is required. Each 5-week PD is hands-on, project-based, and delivered in a hybrid format, with approximately 6 hours of work per week, including a 3-hour instructional session and 3 hours of independent work. Teachers can earn 3 CEUs per PD, up to 9 CEUs total, and receive personalized support in small cohorts of up to 16 participants.

Ohio teachers who complete at least one PD receive a one-time $500 stipend and full reimbursement of the $750 registration cost for each PD completed. Funding is guaranteed for the first 138 Ohio teachers. After that, funding for the one-time stipend and registration reimbursement may be available depending on remaining funds. PD will be available to teachers outside the state of Ohio, but non-Ohio teachers will not qualify for stipend and PD cost reimbursement. All teachers will leave with a ready-to-teach lesson plan and certificate of completion and will receive ongoing coaching and support throughout the funded program.

If interested or have questions, contact Dr. Samia Tasnim samia.tasnim@utoledo.edu

PD 1: Introduction to Computer Science and Computational Thinking

This non-credit PD is offered during three different terms. Participants select one term to attend.

Term 1:

Fall 2026, Mondays, 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Dates and Format:

Oct. 5, in person; Oct. 12, virtual; Oct. 19, virtual; Oct. 26, virtual; Nov. 2, in person

Term 2:

Winter 2027, Thursdays, 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Dates and Format:

Feb. 18, in person; Feb. 25, virtual; Mar. 4, virtual; Mar. 11, virtual; Mar. 18, in person

Term 3:

Spring 2027, Thursdays, 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Dates and Format:

Apr. 15, in person; Apr. 22, virtual; Apr. 29, virtual; May 6, virtual; May 13, in person

About PD 1

This professional development is designed for K–12 teachers of all disciplines who want practical ways to bring computer science concepts into their classrooms. No prior computer science experience is required. Teachers will learn how computational thinking, including patterns, logic, creativity, and problem-solving, provides a structured approach to solving problems and how these skills can be embedded across academic subjects.

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PD 2: Applications for Computer Science and AI Prompt Engineering

This non-credit PD is offered during three different terms. Participants select one term to attend.

Term 1:

Fall 2026, Mondays, 4:30-7:30 pm

Dates and Format:

Nov. 9, in-person; Nov. 16, virtual; Nov. 23, virtual; Nov. 30, in-person; Dec. 7, in-person

Term 2:

Winter 2027, Mondays, 4:30-7:30 pm

Dates and Format:

Feb. 15, in-person; Feb. 22, virtual; Mar. 1, virtual; Mar. 8, virtual; Mar. 15, in-person

Term 4:

Summer 2027, Wednesdays, 4:30-7:30 pm

Jun. 2, in-person; Jun. 9, virtual; Jun. 16, virtual; Jun. 23, virtual; Jun. 30, in-person

About PD 2

This PD builds on foundational concepts to help K–12 teachers apply computer science through hands-on programming in block-based (Scratch) and text-based (Python) environments, along with introductory physical computing using the micro:bit. Teachers will also explore the basics of AI prompt engineering and classroom applications, enabling them to design engaging, real-world learning experiences and guide students in using AI tools.

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PD 3: AI, Data Analytics, and Emerging Technology

This non-credit PD is offered during two different terms. Participants select one term to attend. 

Term 3:

Spring 2027, Mondays, 4:30-7:30 pm

Dates and Format:

Apr. 12, Virtual; Apr. 19, in-person; Apr. 26, virtual; May 3, in-person; May 10, virtual

Term 4:

Summer 2027, Wednesdays, 4:30 – 7:30 pm

Dates and Format:

Jun. 1, virtual; Jun. 8, in-person; Jun. 15, virtual; Jun. 22, in-person; Jun. 29, virtual 

About PD 3

This PD expands teachers' understanding of emerging technologies by exploring critical AI literacy, the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, how datasets are used to train AI algorithms, and digital citizenship in the AI era. Through practical examples and classroom applications, teachers will develop the knowledge and confidence to integrate these concepts into instruction while helping students use AI and data responsibly, think critically about technology, and become informed digital citizens.

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