STEM+C Teacher Institute

The SJSU Lurie College of Education has created summer opportunities for current credential candidates, SJSU alumni, future SJSU credential candidates, and teachers in partner districts to develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities to teach computer science in an effort to pursue educational equity and social justice by reducing STEM barriers in education.

• Computer Science Authorization Program
• Cost & Registration
• How to Apply for the CS Authorization with CTC

Contact us!

Email:  stemc-institute@sjsu.edu

Computer Science Authorization Program

The CS Supplementary Authorization program at SJSU focuses on providing you with the computer science content and pedagogical knowledge that will support you to teach your students to engage fully and democratically in a technology rich society. With parallel strands in equity/justice, technological skills, and pedagogy, this supplementary authorization will help you:

• Explore big issues of equity and social impacts of CS
• Learn core CS practices, theories, tools, and skills
• Gain programming experience
• Learn how to critique, revise (existing) and design lessons and CS curricula

• Introductory Computer Science Supplementary Authorization (10 units)

  • Required Courses: EDTE 193, EDTE 194, EDTE 195, & EDTE 197

    - Can be added to a Multiple Subject Teaching credential and authorizes the holder to teach departmentalized classes related to the supplementary in grades 9 and below.
    - Can be added to a Single Subject teaching credential and authorizes the holder to teach the supplementary subject matter content typically included in curriculum guidelines and textbooks for study in grades 9 and below.

• Specific Computer Science Supplementary Authorization (13 units)

  • Required Courses: EDTE 193, EDTE 194, EDTE 195, EDTE 197, & CS 185C

    - Specific supplementary authorizations may be added to Single Subject, Standard Secondary and Special Secondary (academic subject areas only) Teaching Credentials
    - Authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject in grades preschool, kindergarten-12, and classes organized primarily for adults.

Coursework: Courses are offered sequentially and they build on each other. They are offered in a hybrid format with online lectures and on-campus hands-on activities. The course sequence starts every summer and participation is considered a year-long commitment.

Format: hybrid (online and on-campus) and cohort-based.

2025-2026 Course Schedule:

• Summer 2025:  June 9 - August 1
• Fall 2025:  August 20 - December 8
• Spring 2026:  January 22 - May 22
• Summer 2026:  June - July
• Fall 2026:  August 19 - December 7 (additional course for Specific Supplementary Authorization option)

Computer Science Authorization Coursework

• EDTE 193 Introduction to Emancipatory Approaches to Computing (1 Unit)

  • To center equity and justice in computer science education, teachers explore the social, cultural, ethical, and legal impacts of computing from the perspectives of individuals, schools, teachers, students, and the global community. They gain an understanding of the landscape of equity and justice issues related to computer science education; develop critical thinking skills about computing and related technologies; and begin to reimagine computer science education and the design of curricular resources to help students create a more just future.

• EDTE 194 Computing Practice and Programming Toolkit for Problem-Solving (3 Units)

  • In-depth introduction to programming through a survey of three programming languages: Scratch, MakeCode, and Python. Teachers develop a broad range of expertise, see how block and text-based languages work together, and learn how computer science can be used as a tool to deepen engagement with classroom content. Final project addresses how to use computer science concepts to address problems that are relevant to teachers’ schools and communities. 

• EDTE 195 Connecting Communities through Computational Thinking and Computing Systems (3 Units)

  • Builds on introductory programming knowledge to solve problems and design systems. Students will learn computational thinking strategies using fundamental computing concepts; understand the role of computer and communication devices in designing and creating innovative solutions; complete activities that investigate computing systems, networks, and the internet; use Scratch, MakeCode, and Python to deepen instructional and pedagogical practices.

• EDTE 197 Computer Science Education: Pedagogical Practices for Community Impact (3 Units)

  • Presentation of existing curricular materials. How to modify and create instructional materials to support the integration of computer science content into one’s home subject and to engage students in computer science content as an independent subject. Culturally responsive teaching and universal design are highlighted. Design and implementation of a half day set of activities to members of the community followed by reflection.

• CS 185C Advanced Topics in Computer Science for Teachers (3 units) Course required for Specific Supplementary Authorization

  • The course is designed to equip students with a basic understanding of programming concepts, data structures, algorithms, and fundamental networking and security principles. The course is structured into four main modules, each focusing on a critical area of computer science (Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Network and Security Fundamentals.) Each module includes lectures, hands-on labs, and project work to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered. The course also includes a pedagogical component, providing strategies and techniques for effectively teaching and assessing these topics.

APPLICATION for 2025-26 Cohort -  Spaces are limited. Registration does not guarantee enrollment. Applicants will receive notification about enrollment status after the deadline.

DEADLINE: May 15, 2025

Apply Here

Cost and Registration

There is a cost for the CS Authorization courses. The cost depends on the amount of funding received each year as well as the number of students who participate. Selected candidates will be provided information about financial obligation and will be required to sign an agreement to confirm a spot in the program.

Computer Science Authorization Completers

Upon completion of the CS Authorization Program, you may submit an application to CTC for processing. Visit the Credential Services website and search under checklist for "Computer Science Authorization" for detailed instructions.

If you have questions about the application process, contact Credential Services at credentials@sjsu.edu.