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Sacred Heart University, a Code.org Regional Partner, strives to enhance computer science education across Connecticut. Below are details about professional learning options as SHU works to meet the diverse needs of educators in our community. Please complete the needs survey to inform professional learning workshops offered.

Workshop Details:

• Locations: Fairfield, Plainfield, and possibly Windsor Locks
• Format: In-person interactive sessions, collaborative discussions, and hands-on activities

Programs Offered:

• Elementary Master CS Teacher (K-5)
• Computer Science Discoveries, with AI/ML (6-10)
• Computer Science Principles (9-12)
• Computer Science A (10-12)
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) for Seasoned CS Teachers
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) for Teachers New to CS 

The new Code.org AI/ML course gives students a deep understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) function. The course emphasizes imparting knowledge about the principles and mechanisms of AI/ML rather than offering an interface with applications such as Chat GPT. This approach allows students to develop a strong foundation in AI/ML, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the technology. 

Planned Schedule:

• Fairfield: June 24-28, 2024 8:30-3:30
• Plainfield: July 22-26, 2024 8:30-3:30
• Windsor Locks: TBA

Tell us What You Need:

We invite you to share your insights and preferences by completing a brief survey linked here to ensure these workshops align with your professional learning needs. Your input will help us tailor the content to meet the specific requirements of our diverse educator community.

Registration and Code.org Scholarships:

Code.org will be opening applications for the workshops in mid-January. We will ensure you receive detailed instructions on securing your spot by completing the survey.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Susan Auchincloss atauchinclosss@sacredheart.edu

Defined Professional Learning Opportunities in Fairfield County   

Defined Learning

The CSDE, in partnership with Defined, is providing an immersive and collaborative professional learning opportunity to engage educators in Defined Learning on December 6th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy. Click here for more information and to register.

Defined Learning is one of three components of the Defined ecosystem available to all CT districts at no cost. This immersive and collaborative experience brings together educators to introduce the Defined Learning resources and discuss best practices to utilize them in the classroom. Please bring a personal electronic device such as a laptop. All inquiries can be sent to Cheryl Tokarski at Cheryl.Tokarski@ct.gov.

Defined Careers

The CSDE, in partnership with Defined, is providing an immersive and collaborative professional learning opportunity to engage educators in Defined Careers on December 7th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST at Stamford Public Schools. Click here for more information and to register.

Defined Careers is one of three components of the Defined ecosystem available to all CT districts at no cost. This immersive and collaborative professional learning experience brings together school counselors and educators to deepen their understanding of how to utilize Defined Careers in the classroom, in advisory, and for career guidance. Please bring a personal electronic device such as a laptop. All inquiries can be sent to Cheryl Tokarski at Cheryl.Tokarski@ct.gov. 

Grades 6 & 7 mathematics teachers are invited to join a free online workshop about Visual Access to Mathematics, a professional learning course with a focus on English learners/multilingual learners (Els/MLs). This will take place on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 3:15 – 4:45 pm. This workshop will provide a sneak peak into the Visual Access to Mathematics professional learning course that will be offered starting in 2024. For more details and information on how to register, see the flyer here for more information. 

PAEMST:

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.

Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate exceptional STEM teachers who are currently teaching grades K - 6 for the 2023 – 2024 award year. Teachers may also apply directly at http://www.paemst.nsf.gov/.

The nomination deadline is January 8, 2024, and the application deadline is February 6, 2024, for ELEMENTARY K – 6 teachers. SECONDARY teachers in grades 7-12  will be eligible to apply during a future cycle.

PAEMST Informational Webinar
Wednesday, September 27th, 2023
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
 

To register for the webinar, click here.

PAEMST 2023-2024 Awards: Nominations Now Open for K - 6 Teachers

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.

Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate exceptional STEM teachers who are currently teaching grades K - 6 for the 2023 – 2024 award year. Teachers may also apply directly at http://www.paemst.nsf.gov/.

The nomination deadline is January 8, 2024, and the application deadline is February 6, 2024, for ELEMENTARY K – 6 teachers. SECONDARY teachers in grades 7-12  will be eligible to apply during a future cycle.

Begin the school year with a K-12 Super Saturday STEM event September 23, 2023 sponsored by Texas Instruments and co-hosted by RIMTA and RISTA. Keynote presentation by Page Keeley. Location: La Salle Academy, Providence, Rhode Island.

https://rimta.wildapricot.org/event-5307941/Registration

Flyer here:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFgTco3Dm0/OcTnIN0c-Ti2T_Ac0y9-gw/view

Program here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LrBW6Tuf7MZ7yAXJ5FgaLr_ByxU31N3VY0g8uuW5YR0/view

2023 Intel Math Application 

Apply today for the FREE 2023 K-8 Math Institute! 

The Institute is funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and managed by the Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) Department of Mathematical Sciences Professional Development Outreach Program.

Intel Math is an intensive, 80-hour, content-based course that requires full participation including take home assignments. The course is designed for you as a learner to deepen your own understanding of the K-8 math content and connections between concepts. This is NOT a course on any resource or curriculum.

This Intel Math Course will take place on the CCSU campus, in New Britain, CT

Where: CCSU Campus, New Britain, CT

When: July 10, 2023 to July 21, 2023

Times: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (including two short breaks and for lunch on your own)

Completion of the Intel Math summer course includes a $1,500 stipend for participating teachers. Teams of teachers from districts and schools as well as teachers from Connecticut Alliance School Districts will be given priority, but all interested teachers in grades K – 8 are encouraged to apply by completing the form found on the link below by June 30^th.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cMUpI4C1I0KAO0J9gA6BtvL5Ym7mQjpHvgDZEwqRboFUMk5KMUpLOUtLRDU2U09MVVRGQTlFODUxTy4u

Participants will be notified of their acceptance by July 5th. If selected to participate, you will need to fully commit to the two-week course including attendance at all sessions and completion of assignments.

Please send an email to Dr. Robin S. Kalder with any application questions and view this brochure for more information about Intel Math.

The Connecticut Financial Literacy Summit hosted by Connecticut Jump$tart will take place this summer on August 1^st and 2^nd at Foxwoods. This special two-day event is intended to support teachers in their efforts to prepare students for their financial futures. There is a registration fee that will be refunded following attendance at this summer financial literacy professional development opportunity. Please visit https://bit.ly/2023CTFinLitSumREG for more details and to register.

There will be a meeting for teachers who are interested in talking about how to "fill in the gaps" in BTC, i.e. provide further detail on implementation that teachers can use, so that they benefit from the wisdom of each other and don't have to learn everything about implementation from their own trial and error. We hope this turns into a robust and supportive community of practice. The first meeting will be on June 30th, 9am-noonish, at the Milford BoE. Register here, no cost.

Don't forget to check out the updated the BTC website

Hello Connecticut Grade 7 mathematics teachers!

The Visual Access to Mathematics (VAM) professional learning project is currently open to grade 7 math teachers in Connecticut, but to guarantee a spot in this opportunity, you need to act soon. There are two remaining scheduled 30-minute Zoom information sessions (on May 23^rd at 4:00pm and on May 25^th at 3:30pm). To sign up for one of these information sessions, or to let us know you are interested but cannot make it to either information session, complete this interest form as soon as possible: VAM interest form.

At the information session program leads will share highlights about the VAM course, the research study, and the associated $850 stipend, and will answer any questions you may have. A few key benefits for teachers are as follows (and a flyer with more information is attached): 

·        Improve teaching and learning of grade 7 mathematics (ratio and proportion) content for all students and in particular for multilingual learners/English learners.

·        Teacher stipend of $850.

·        Option to register for graduate credit for a fee.

·        Opportunities to connect & engage with educators state-wide.

Let us know you’re interested a.s.a.p. (by the end of May to guarantee a spot) by filling out the VAM interest form! This opportunity is being offered through a partnership between the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands, and several other professional organizations in Connecticut (including ATOMIC).