CSTANJ CSPDWeek 2026

Kick off CSPDWeek 2026 with a morning of connection and inspiration. Join us for check-in and a light breakfast, followed by opening remarks from CSTANJ and NJDOE Office of Innovation leadership. The session will conclude with our featured keynote address to set the stage for a week of innovation in computer science education.

These informal, end‑of‑day meetups give K–12 educators a dedicated space to connect with colleagues who teach similar grade levels. Teachers can share insights from the day’s sessions, compare classroom experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange practical strategies that support computer science and AI learning. Whether you’re looking to reflect on new ideas, troubleshoot with peers, or build ongoing professional relationships, these meetups offer a supportive environment for meaningful conversation and collaboration.

This workshop provides actionable plans and encourages CS teachers to embrace counselor collaborations for a diverse, thriving CS Program. Explore the transformative role of school counselors in shaping CS education. Dive into collaborative strategies, understand counselors’ impact, and share unique educator challenges.

As the workforce landscape becomes more digital, Computer Science skills are a requirement of modern education. Yet achieving a representative and continually growing student body in CS programs remains a challenge for many educators. This workshop addresses a pivotal element that can change the trajectory of CS education: the critical role of school counselors in students' decision making process.

School Counselors serve as a guiding force for students’ academic and post-secondary choices. Counselors have the platform to bridge the gap between students’ ambitions and the pathways that can lead them to fulfilling tech-driven futures. Counselors are the ideal allies to expanding CS education. This workshop aims to spotlight the importance of a CS teacher and school counselor relationship providing best practices and discussions on how to strengthen this partnership.

Key Takeaways
Delve into practical strategies and best practices to create meaningful collaboration between CS educators and school counselors, ensuring a meaningful approach to increasing student engagement.
Deepen educators' understanding of how school counselors can directly and indirectly influence students’ gravitation towards CS, and why their involvement is crucial for a well-rounded CS program.

Participants will engage in discussions providing a platform where educators can share their unique challenges and success stories. These dialogues offer best practices, anecdotes, and insights from lived experiences.

Participants will be encouraged to move from identifying challenges to crafting solutions tailored for individual school environments. Attendees will analyze barriers, spotlight opportunities, and formulate diverse plans to solidify the CS-counselor partnership.

💻CSPDWeek NJ 2026: Virtual Wrap-Up & Celebration! 🎊

Don’t sign off just yet! Stick around immediately following Carter Moulton’s Keynote for our official virtual grand finale. We’re closing out our sixth annual NJ CSPDWeek by celebrating the incredible "AI-ready" foundations you’ve built all week long.

What to Expect:
The Victory Lap: A high-energy recap of our best moments and breakthroughs from across the Garden State.
Next Steps: Quick, clear instructions on how to access your 2026-27 PD resources and stay connected with your new CS network.
Stipend Essentials: You will receive a post-conference survey via email. Please note that this survey must be completed to qualify for your $900 stipend!
The Launch: We’ll send you off inspired and ready to bring inclusive, cutting-edge CS to your students this fall.

Let’s end the week on a high note together—see you in the main virtual room!