February 2026 Newsletter

We’re excited to announce that our Cybersecurity Education Through Capture the Flag (CTF) professional learning experience is back for another round this spring, following a successful fall offering!

This two-day, hands-on workshop is designed for Pennsylvania educators interested in bringing engaging, real-world cybersecurity experiences into grades 6–12 classrooms. Participants will explore CTF methodology, solve authentic cybersecurity challenges, and learn practical strategies for integrating CTFs into instruction aligned to CSTA standards.

Workshop Dates & Locations:

• March 11–12 — PaTTAN Central (Harrisburg)
  

• March 18–19 — Montgomery County Community College
  

• March 23–24 — University of Pittsburgh
  
  

There is no cost to participate. Breakfast and lunch are provided, travel and lodging are available for qualifying participants, and eligible educators may earn a $450 stipend for completing both days. No prior cybersecurity experience is required—just an interest in preparing students for high-demand technology careers.

Join us February 5 at 3:30 for our next episode of our Cyber Bytes webinar series featuring Kristi Rice, a nationally recognized Cyber Education Trailblazer. This session will focus on Teaching Students to Think Like Defenders, exploring how strong pedagogy, gamified learning, and defender mindset help create meaningful cybersecurity learning experiences in K–12 classrooms.

Kristi is a cyber educator by day and threat-hunting mentor by night. She serves as a PlayCyber Game Master, US Cyber Team Coach, and Virginia Tech GenCyber Pedagogy Expert, and is a national award-winning educator who helps guide cybersecurity education initiatives at both the state and national levels.

For more information, to RSVP for this event, and to view past recordings or upcoming Cyber Bytes topics, visit the Cyber Bytes Webinar Series Flyer.

The CSinPA team is currently hosting a series of webinars covering all the different ways AI is impacting education. You can find the schedule of upcoming topics, along with recordings of past webinars, in this section of our Community of Practice.

Upcoming Topics

2/11 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm – AI as Your Teaching Assistant

Visit the AI in Education Webinar Series flyer for more information.

Registration is available for the second cohort of the 2025 - 2026 School year in our Micro-credential Program.

The following courses are available:

• AI in the Classroom: Introduction (2-hour)

• AI in the Classroom: Integrating AI to Support Student Learning (4- hour)

• Cybersecurity in the K-8 classroom: Introduction (2-hour)

• (New) Cybersecurity Frameworks and Standards: Aligning Your Curriculum with Industry Best Practices (4 hour)

• Using Music to Engage Students in CS Learning (4-hour)

• Empowering all students in CS Learning through a Behavioral approach (4-hour)

• Data Science in K–8 Classrooms: Connecting Concepts Through Computer Science

New courses coming in February

• Implementing Accessible Educational Materials

• CS learning and Executive Functioning: Practical Strategies

Saturday March 21, 2026 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Registration is open now and Act 48 is available.

The unconference is free and available to anyone involved with K-12 CS education.

Join us for an interactive event featuring guided discussions with CSTA Chapter Leaders and PaTTAN consultants. All K-12 educators are welcome to attend.

Unlike a traditional conference, an unconference puts participants in the driver's seat—you'll join smaller group conversations where everyone is encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another. Topics will focus on what's shaping CS classrooms today, including teaching Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy, integrating artificial intelligence into computing instruction, recruiting underrepresented students, and implementing evidence-based practices. Whether you're new to CS education or a seasoned pro, bring your experiences and join the conversation!

All registrants will be eligible to receive a 1-year CSTA+ Membership if they complete the conference activities. Additionally, all eligible participants will be entered into a special drawing for one classroom set of micro:bit and one collection of CS books.

Are you interested in taking a new step in your career journey? We are looking for someone to join our team! Visit the job posting to learn more or to apply.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) are conducting focus groups with middle and high school students (grades 7–12) who are enrolled in computer science (CS) courses or CS-related career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Participation will help PDE better understand how to strengthen CS and CTE learning experiences for all learners.

Please share this opportunity with students and families!

Details at a glance:

• Who: Students in grades 7–12 enrolled in CS or CS-related CTE courses

• What: 60-minute virtual focus group facilitated by AIR

• When: Sessions scheduled this fall (families select times through the sign-up link)

• Incentive: Each participating student will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card as a thank-you
  
  

Cohort 3 of CSinPA’s FAA Part 107 Professional Learning Pathway will run from March 1, 2026 - June 1, 2026, equipping 9-12 educators with the knowledge and skills to bring drone technology into their classrooms.

Through a mix of self-paced modules, live check-ins, and hands-on activities, participants will engage with TKU’s FAA Curriculum and design a unit plan aligned to CSTA, STEELS, and/or CTE standards.