Boost Your Teaching Toolkit with Launch K-5 CS TrainingPrevious participants reflect on training others, lessons learnedbyDamian Hopkins May 2, 2025 Feature Storyno-drop-capshare this: A total of 26 educators from around the state and four trainers participated in the inaugural Launch_K5 CS training cohort. Launch_K5 CS is designed to equip K-5 educators to seamlessly integrate the Technology Applications TEKS into their teaching practices. Credit: Photos by Damian Hopkins, TACC "Supporting campuses and managing STEM education requires me to stay current with educational technology trends. This training offered the perfect opportunity to expand and apply new knowledge directly to enhance student learning and instructional practices.” — Justin Yepez, El Paso ISDIn 2024, TACC’s Expanding Pathways in Computing (EPIC) team debuted Launch_K5 CS, a new series of professional development trainings designed to equip K-5 educators with the lessons and tools to integrate the latest Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards into their teaching practices. The return on this initial investment has been a resounding success. Across four Launch_K5 trainings, 90 educators have trained more than 1,200 fellow educators across Texas.The next training is set for May 6-8, and applications are being accepted for educators interested in becoming Launch trainers. This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow educators, learn new teaching strategies and techniques, and deepen your knowledge of computer science (CS) for the K-5 classroom. Participants receive ready-to-use K-5 exemplar lessons, develop skills in block-based coding and physical computing, and receive a physical computing kit, all at no cost.Educators who complete the three-day course and train a minimum of 30 teachers in their region or district receive a $3,000 stipend—a small “thank you” for their hard work in contributing to training the next generation of CS students.Hear from Launch_K5 CS trainers and educators from across the state about their experiences: Launch_K5 CS attendees discuss micro:bits during the inaugural training in 2024. Educators who complete the course and train a minimum of 30 teachers receive a $3,000 stipend. TrainersTy Craighead Role: Teacher, Leander Independent School District (ISD)Teachers trained: 49Why were you interested in becoming a Launch trainer? I was sold knowing this training involved coding lessons as I always look for ways to further engage my students.What’s one key takeaway you learned during your time as a trainer? I was not aware that the Tech Apps TEKS had been updated. Thanks to this training, I have confidence in my ability to teach these new standards to both teachers and students.How did this training make you feel more supported/encouraged to teach the Tech Apps? When I teach coding lessons, it feels meaningful, like I’m making a difference. We have a section of the day called “W.I.N. (What I Need).” During this time, students visit other classes to receive small group instruction based on their needs. My school allows me to teach 30-minute coding lessons. I’m thinking of using micro:bits as an enrichment tool for those who are above grade level, an exciting opportunity I could not have offered without this training.Adrienne Arroyo Role: Education Service Center Region 13 STEM SpecialistTeachers trained: 30Why were you interested in becoming a Launch trainer? I trusted EPIC to create a quality product with a focus on tight alignment to the Tech Apps TEKS that also included great pedagogy, and they delivered.What’s one key takeaway you learned during your time as a trainer? This training is fun and exciting to facilitate. Educators gain confidence to teach topics they may have thought were difficult to teach.How did this training make you feel more supported/encouraged to teach the Tech Apps? This training helped me have a clearer vision for what integration of the TEKS into core instruction can look like. Heather Solis (left) and Janae Pearce (right) of Georgetown ISD take a selfie in TACC's data center. The veteran teachers posed in front of Frontera, the fastest academic supercomputer in the United States. TeachersJustin Yepez Role: Instructional Technology Specialist, El Paso ISDNumber of students: 100Why were you interested in receiving Launch_K5 CS training? Supporting campuses and managing STEM education projects requires me to stay current with educational technology trends. This training offered the perfect opportunity to expand and apply new knowledge directly to enhance student learning and instructional practices.What’s one key takeaway you learned during your time in the training? Learning practical methods to integrate concepts like breaking down problems and spotting patterns into subjects like math, science, and language arts resonated with me. I realized how simple and engaging computer science can be when you break it down into fun, hands-on activities.How did this training make you feel more supported/encouraged to teach the Tech Apps? Teachers received practical tools and strategies that can be shared with educators who may be new to these concepts. Going through this training with other teachers from our district was a great way to build the local CS community.Melanie Bowen Role: Librarian, New Braunfels ISDNumber of students: 400Why were you interested in receiving Launch_K5 CS training? The Tech Apps TEKS are standards that librarians can support. I also wanted to learn more about coding and add to my teaching toolkit.What’s one key takeaway you learned during your time in the training? We explored creative strategies to help students build their computational thinking skills. Code.org professional development offered great resources for teaching these new standards.How did this training make you feel more supported/encouraged to teach the Tech Apps? The trainers showed me how to incorporate the TEKS into what I’m already teaching. Being a teacher requires lots of time and effort—it’s good to know these skills can be integrated with other lessons.
