University of Northern Iowa receives $1 million for expanding teacher computer science program – WCF Courier
Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.
CEDAR FALLS — The University of Northern Iowa has created a program to help Iowa teachers receive their secondary computer science education endorsement after receiving a nearly $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
Teachers who earn the endorsement will be qualified to teach computer sciences in grades five through 12. The program is taking applications for the initial cohort, which will begin in June.
Through the computer science education program at UNI, or CSEd@UNI, the university is helping Iowa schools meet state requirements to offer at least one computer science course. The requirement is already in effect in Iowa high schools with elementary, seventh and eighth grade ready to begin July 1.
“The NSF entrusting us with this kind of award is a huge testament to the long history of high-quality teacher education at UNI,” said Ben Schafer, professor in the department of computer science and coordinator for the program.
University of Northern Iowa’s “Hour of Code” event on Friday, Nov.5
In addition to the online lectures and coursework, teachers will participate in monthly face-to-face meetings facilitated by partners at their local area education agencies. The first cohort is partnering with the Central Rivers AEA, Grant Wood AEA and Northwest AEA.
The online program will take 18 months for each cohort to complete. The first cohort will include up to 90 teachers. A second cohort starting June 2024 will double to nearly 180.
The new program builds on the success of a similar 2018 program, which was funded by a $300,000 grant from the NSF and helped in-service teachers earn a computer service endorsement. This grant helped formally launch the computer science education program at UNI.
Learn more about the grant and computer science education program on the UNI website at csed.uni.edu/nsf202.
Waterloo West seniors Sahara Williams, center, and Halli Poock, right, combined for 38 points against Waterloo East on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo East senior Quentin Hart squares up for a three point shot against Waterloo West on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo East senior Kewone Jones drives to the basket against Waterloo West on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo West senior Si’Marion Anderson drives through the lane as Waterloo East senior Kewone Jones defends on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo East junior Ruthie Hulton drives the ball down the baseline against Waterloo West on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo West freshman Lyvia Torrez takes a shot in the paint against Waterloo East on Tuesday at West.
The Waterloo East student section erupts after the Trojans score against Waterloo West on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo East junior Jaelah Stanford dribbles down court against Waterloo West on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo West senior Dayton Bruce drives down the baseline against Waterloo East on Tuesday at West.
The Waterloo West student section erupts after the Wahawks score against Waterloo East on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo West junior Danica Wrage drives to the basket against Waterloo East on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo East senior Jamauryus Bradford-Gates drives the ball to the basket as Waterloo West senior Dayton Bruce defends on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo East senior Jameel Montgomery drives to the baseline as Waterloo West senior Si’Marion Anderson defends on Tuesday at West.
Waterloo West senior Keishaun Pendleton goes for the layup as Waterloo East senior Quentin Hart defends on Tuesday at West.
Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.
CEDAR FALLS — Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, will visit Cedar Falls on Tuesday to celebrate the unveiling o…
The Waterloo Community Foundation awarded seven $5,000 grants through its competitive grant process.
CEDAR FALLS – The deadline to submit grant applications to the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Teen Trust for its 2023 grant cycle is…
Kingsley Botchway, UnityPoint Health’s regional director of human resources, doesn’t just talk the talk. He walks the walk when it comes to giving back to the world.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.