Giving Oregon K-12 teachers tools for teaching computer science in the classroom
By Linda Barney, Barney and Associates
The Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OregonCSTA) is an organization of teachers training teachers in Oregon since 1984. OCSTA held their 2025 Spring Teacher’s Conference on April 12 at George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon. The conference provided professional development (PD) learning opportunities for teachers in Oregon teaching K-12 computer science classes.
“The first in-person OCSTA professional development Conference since COVID exceeded our expectations. Brent Wilson, George Fox Professor of Computer Science & Cybersecurity, and George Fox University provided great support and professional development opportunities, and this conference was no exception. In fact, the success of this conference proves that high tech PD is needed and OCSTA is in a great position to provide it,” states Terrel Smith, President Elect OCSTA.
Brent Wilson delivering the keynote speech at the OCSTA 2025 Conference at George Fox University
OCSTA Conference Sessions
Teachers attending the conference were from large and small school districts throughout Oregon. Conference sessions covered the following topics:
Computer science language and coding, Don Kirkwood: The Python language is used professionally and is also easy to learn for teachers and students. The Introduction to Python class covered introductory Python concepts along with lesson plans. The advanced session focused on sorting algorithms, searching and recursion.
K-5 High-Tech STEM Curriculum, Brenda Selby & Holly Phillips: Explored the foundations of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning, including how technology applications can be commonly practiced in a comprehensive K-5 curriculum. The session demonstrated how to implement STEM in both dedicated special education classes and integrated general education classrooms, ideally developing students prepared for further STEM learning in middle and high school.
All Things High School Computer Science Curriculum and “CS Pathways, Jason Galbraith & Cady Geer:
Provided strategies to strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including structuring new classes and incorporating work-based learning, with examples from local schools.
Exploring Scratch & AI with Face Sensing, Maren Vernon: Scratch is a free, visual programming language used to create interactive stories, games, and animations designed to be easy for beginners, particularly children and young adults, to learn the fundamentals of coding and computer science. The session described the intersection of Scratch and artificial intelligence (AI) through hands-on activities involving face detection and generative AI tools to create interactive projects, games, and stories.
Hands-On AI, Jacob Niebergall: Focused on the latest and most effective ways to harness AI for specific applications including how educators can work smarter, not harder, by using AI tools tailored to classroom needs.
Smarter Learning with AI, Kiki Prottsman: Described how students can utilize AI for brainstorming, validating concepts, and debugging projects—without crossing into “cheating” territory. This session equips educators with classroom-friendly AI strategies that enhance learning and foster problem-solving.
Getting Started with Game Development, Lucas Haley: Provided an overview of major game development engines and tools, discussing their pros and cons, resources available, and potential first projects for high school curriculum.
Level Up Computer Science with MakeCode Arcade, Kiki Prottsman: Provided information on introducing students to retro arcade fun with the Microsoft MakeCode Arcade application. This session covered game design, multi-game kiosks, online multiplayer, and Xbox integration.
Code.org Curriculum and Resources, Lindsay Pierce: Provided an overview of all curriculum options from Code.org, highlighting how its resources can be integrated at all grade levels, including special education. This session covers K-12 options, including Advanced Placement (AP).
Common Sense Education Resources and Options, Lindsay Pierce: Described the Common Sense Education curriculum, AI resources and digital citizenship for all grades to meet social skills, emotional regulation, and executive function of students.
TechStart Supports OCSTA Teachers Training
“OCSTA’s focus on training hundreds of teachers to teach K-12 computer science since 1984 is unprecedented. There is no doubt that they have positively moved the needle for Oregon’s teachers and thousands of students’ careers and continue to do so. The dedicated volunteers who make this happen are truly knights in shining armor. Thank you to all who participate in this worthy endeavor, we look forward to supporting you and to your continued success,” states John Tortorici, TechStart Chair of the Board.
Summary
The conference ended with a Birds of a Feather High School Curriculum and Computer Science Initiative session where teachers discussed the current state of high school computer science. Attendees were able to share how they teach K-12 computer science classes and offer examples along with tips on what has worked in the classroom.
“With the support of TechStart and the National CSTA, OCSTA will continue to provide meaningful and relevant K-12 high tech PD for the foreseeable future. There will be an even greater need for high tech teacher training in the future as the state driven ‘CS Initiative’ is implemented. OCSTA will be including physical computing and engineering training in future conferences to expand the high tech PD opportunities,” states Smith.