2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Computer Science for San Antonio (CS4SA) was a computer science (CS) professional development program designed for in-service middle and high school teachers—educators actively teaching. CS4SA aimed to prepare teachers with essential CS knowledge and skills while expanding CS opportunities for Latinx and other underrepresented minority populations within a large, urban school district in South Texas. An Institutional Review Board approved this research.

The program engaged teacher participants through culturally responsive pedagogy, integrated professional learning communities, and project-based learning strategies. Teachers appreciated the collaborative nature of these approaches, which deepened their understanding and strengthened their professional networks. Over a pilot program and three cohorts (2020–2024), participants attended a Summer Institute, monthly workshops, and completed online modules aligned with state CS teacher certification standards.

This paper examines the program’s instructional design and shares insights from participants, including those who returned as peer mentors. It also outlines adaptations to address challenges such as COVID-19 disruptions and limited district support. Findings indicate that teacher participants valued their professional development experience and quickly applied their new skills in the classroom. Many teacher participants integrated CS into their math and science lessons. They introduced CS concepts in after-school clubs, supported by program resources that enabled projects ranging from Unity game development to robotics and Scratch programming. One teacher secured funding for additional robotics resources, while another invited a software developer to discuss app development, demonstrating the real-world applications of CS in various industries.

Despite challenges such as school closures due to declining enrollment, staffing reductions, and limited district support, educators found creative ways to engage students through robotics and coding projects. CS4SA helped build a community among participants, allowing them to exchange ideas and resources. While the program's impact on expanding computer science education within schools was more limited than anticipated, it played an essential role in supporting teachers as they integrated CS into their classrooms. These findings highlight the role of professional development in supporting teachers as they integrate CS into their schools and classrooms.