DPI's Community Education Unit works closely with UIUC's College of Education and K-12 education partners to develop strategies to equip CS-trained educators in Illinois. This includes UIUC's Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science [dpi.uillinois.edu/csted]. This five-semester, cohort-based plan of study was developed by faculty and researchers at the College of Education and The Grainger College of Engineering at UIUC. Faculty members intently focus on creating a curriculum centered on meeting the needs of middle grades through high school CS educators and learners with a strong focus on CS-based pedagogy and instructional practices.
Designed for Illinois teachers with a valid Professional Educator License (PEL) in grades 5-12, CSTed is Illinois' first all-online CS subsequent endorsement pathway for in-service teachers. A path designed to ensure equitable access to educators across the state not only through its delivery model but also through funding supports secured by UIUC, DPI and school districts. Educators participating in the program are expected to support computer science education in their school districts as CS teachers and leaders once they have completed the program.