Help Washington teachers learn computer science

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The Puget Sound Computer Science Teachers Association (PSCSTA) is raising $2000 to reimburse Washington state teachers to take the WEST NES Computer Science endorsement exam.

There is a shortage of computer science teachers in Washington.  According to the 2022 State of Computer Science report, only 47% of Washington state high schools offer a computer science course versus 53% nationwide, and Washington state fell further behind during the pandemic.  Computer science education is rapidly evolving. So many current Washington CS teachers lack the content and pedagogical knowledge, resources, and professional learning network to sustain and grow their computer science programs.

Despite the shortage, Washington state in-service teachers must pay their own way to learn enough computer science to teach computer science and take the exam to qualify to teach computer science in Washington public schools. Washington state CS teachers do not get paid more for their additional effort.

With our partners at national CSTA, WeTeach CS, and Shoreline Community College, PSCSTA will provide 15 Washington state teachers free training to pass the WEST/NES Computer Science Endorsement Exam. And free CSTA+ memberships to continue to support them throughout their teaching careers. For more information on this pilot program, please see Washington State CS Endorsement Exam Prep Course

However, PSCSTA still seeks $2,000 to reimburse the 15 teachers who complete the prep course to take the computer science endorsement exam. Any amount that you can donate would be most appreciated. Thank you so much for your support.