Professional Development

Why Code Savvy?

In our rapidly evolving world, students are navigating a world shaped by technological innovations. So how can Code Savvy support them in not only navigating, but thriving in this ever changing landscape? We recognize the pivotal role that educators play in students’ lives and ultimately their futures. Our goal at Code Savvy is to support educators across subject areas with the knowledge and skills to teach computer science (CS) confidently and effectively to their students. 

Minnesota Educators, Minnesota Classrooms.

The Minnesota Department of Education is actively integrating computer science into the K-12 academic standards, making a significant shift in how computer science will be taught in Minnesota. Currently, there are specific benchmarks in Art, Science and Language Arts that have been identified as key opportunities to seamlessly integrate computer science concepts into those content areas. The purpose of integrating computer science is a state-wide commitment to providing high-quality computer science opportunities in all classes because of the role technology plays in every aspect of students’ lives. For educators in Minnesota, this means that computer science will not be confined to dedicated technology or computer science classrooms. Instead, it will play a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and pedagogy across all subjects and grade levels, from Kindergarten to twelfth grade. 

To empower an entire educator workforce with the skills and confidence to teach and integrate computer science, the key lies in high-quality professional development. At Code Savvy, our approach stands out as our professional development opportunities are intentionally designed and delivered by Minnesota educators who understand the challenges inherent to Minnesota classrooms. Our focus goes beyond teaching educators technical skills, and includes effective computer science pedagogy to support the seamless integration of new knowledge and skills directly into the classroom. 

Explore our range of professional development sessions designed to meet the evolving needs of educators. It is important to note that all of our sessions are fully customizable, ensuring that they align with the unique needs of educators, schools and districts.

AI 101 for Teachers

Overview: Join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop designed to empower educators with foundational knowledge and practical skills in artificial intelligence (AI). This interactive workshop will guide you through AI’s transformative potential in education, equipping you to integrate AI into your teaching practices responsibly and effectively. Through the workshop, you’ll gain insight into the benefits and risks of AI, explore strategies for implementation in your classroom, and learn how to teach about AI with confidence. Collaborate with fellow educators in real-time as you reflect on AI’s impact, tackle its challenges, and unlock new possibilities for student outcomes.

Ongoing Support: Additional opportunities for online and face-to-face networking and collaboration with peers throughout the year. 

Grades: K-12

Cost: $1,500

Interest or Questions: Contact brad@codesavvy.org

Computer Science Basics for Educators

Overview: Get ready to dive into the world of coding with our Computer Science Basics for Educators workshop! This interactive workshop is designed to equip K-5 educators with foundational coding concepts, tools, and strategies for integrating computer science (CS) into the classroom. If you’re new to computer science, this workshop will provide the confidence and practical knowledge needed to introduce coding concepts to your students. Throughout this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore key coding principles like algorithms, sequences, loops, and conditionals, while creating fun and engaging programs. You’ll also discover how to tap into students’ creativity by developing event-based programs featuring sprites and behaviors. All content is aligned with Code.org’s curriculum, making it easy to integrate into your teaching,  reflect on AI’s impact, tackle its challenges, and unlock new possibilities for student outcomes.

Ongoing Support: Additional opportunities for online and face-to-face networking and collaboration with peers throughout the year. 

Grades: K-5

Cost: $1,500

Interest or Questions: Contact brad@codesavvy.org

Intro to Coding Language of Your Choice

Overview: In this PD session you can choose a coding language of your choice that you would like educators to learn more about. This includes: Scratch Jr, Scratch, micro:bit, Python, HTML/CSS/JavaScript, and p5.js. This session includes a one 4 hour kick-off session followed by three 2-hour PLC sessions. This PD can be delivered virtually or in-person. By the end of this PD, educators will be able to confidently use a coding language of choice in their classroom.

Session Breakdowns:

  • Kick-Off Session (4 hours): In this session, participants will work through a crash course of their coding langauge, leaving the session with a strong understanding of the platform. Exploring available resources, participants will also learn effective ways to introduce this language to students. 
  • PLC (three 2 hour sessions): In the following PLC sessions, educators will deepen their technical and CS pedagogical knowledge. These sessions will provide personalized and collaborative support for educators who are integrating this language into their classrooms. 

Ongoing Support: Free resources, dedicated email support, access to our educator network. 

Grades: K-12

Cost: PD rates vary by workshop size, contact us at contactus@codesavvy.org for a quote.

Integrating Computer Science into the Classroom

Overview: A 6-hour kickoff session will be followed by three Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions, each ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours. This PD can be delivered virtually or in-person. By the end of the PD, educators will be able to integrate CS across various content areas. 

Session Breakdown:

  • Kick-Off Session (6 hours): The kick-off session will prepare educators to dive into computer science and computational thinking. By the end of this session, participants will have explored both the Minnesota Integrated CS Standards and CSTA Standards, pinpointing areas for integrating into their own classrooms. Educators will collaboratively take a deeper dive into CS with grade level tools, curricula, and resources for opportunities to integrate CS into their own classrooms. 
  • PLC (three 2 hour sessions): In the following PLC sessions, educators will deepen their technical and CS pedagogical knowledge. These sessions will provide personalized and collaborative support for educators who are integrating computer science opportunities into their classrooms. 

Ongoing Support: Free resources, dedicated email support, virtual coaching sessions, access to our educator network. 

Standards Alignment: Aligned to the Minnesota Integrated Standards and CSTA Standards

Grades: K-12

Cost: PD rates vary by workshop size, contact us at contactus@codesavvy.org for a quote.