UF ramps up computer science education for K-12 teachers

An initiative from UF focuses on preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce

University of Florida researchers and educators are spearheading a transformative approach to computer science education, providing Florida teachers with the skills to prepare students for a world driven by technological innovations. 

The CSEveryone team at UF has guided more than 300 educators, and thousands of K-12 students across the state have been impacted.

Launched in 2021 with the support of Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and chief executive officer of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst, CSEveryone offers one of the most comprehensive career pathway programs in the country. The program aspires to serve as a national model for improving computer science education for K-12 learners. 

Through the initiative, any teacher in the country can take an online microcredential to earn a badge or engage with free practice assessments for the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE). Teachers can also enroll at UF in an online graduate certificate program, as well as master’s and doctoral programs, to further their education. 

The CSEveryone Center for Computer Science Education is a newly founded center at UF, led by Maya Israel, Ph.D., an associate professor of educational technology and computer science education. Israel will continue the work of the CSEveryone initiative and elevate teachers’ capabilities around K-12 computer science education. 

“By equipping teachers with the skill sets and confidence to provide high-quality computer science education, the UF College of Education is transforming the state’s capacity to foster its technology economy, and positioning Florida to meet the demands of current and future employers,” Israel said. 

At UF last fall, CSEveryone held a computer science education summit that brought together representatives from colleges, universities, schools, and districts, as well as community stakeholders and nonprofit organizations.

In addition to preparing educators more broadly, CSEveryone recently received funding from Google to increase computer science learning opportunities for students with disabilities. 

The CSEveryone team also works with districts in South Florida and across the state to develop a computer science inclusion professional development model. This model – available to any teacher who works with K-12 learners with disabilities – provides teachers with the instructional strategies and technologies to support all students.

“Teachers have a limited understanding of how to provide effective computer science education to learners with disabilities, and there is a lack of accessible technologies,” Israel said. “The work we are doing impacts all of Florida’s students and is a big step in the right direction for all learners, including people who might need their instruction to be more tailored to their individual needs.”