If you teach in Texas and want to bring real AI and coding experiences to your students, this summer's professional development workshop is worth your attention.
Forward Education, in partnership with WeTeach_CS at The University of Texas at Austin, is offering a fully funded four-day workshop for middle school educators in Region 7. You'll leave with a $400 stipend, travel reimbursement, and a free class set of CHARGE for micro:bit kits to use with your students right away.
No coding experience required.
What Is WeTeach_CS?
WeTeach_CS is a teacher professional development program run through UT Austin's Center for STEM Education. Its mission is simple: more teachers with the skills and confidence to bring computer science into their classrooms.
The program has helped over 600 K-12 educators across Texas expand access to CS and computational thinking. As a preferred WeTeach_CS provider, Forward Education is proud to offer this workshop as part of that mission.
Learn more about the WeTeach_CS 2026 Preferred Provider workshops.
What You Will Learn
This is a hands-on, build-something workshop. Over four days, you will work through real projects using the CHARGE for micro:bit, a wearable technology add-on that makes the micro:bit rechargeable and classroom-ready.
You will also train custom Machine Learning models using CreateAI, and connect what you are learning to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for your subject.
Projects include:
- Safe Crossing Stations that use sensors and AI to detect when it is safe to walk
- Indoor-Outdoor Temperature Monitors built with micro:bit
- Wearable Hydration Alarms that remind students to drink water using machine learning
These are not demo projects you watch someone else build. You build them. Then you take the lesson plans home and teach them. Explore more micro:bit projects and resources on our site.
Who Is This For?
The workshop is designed for middle school teachers in grades 6-8, but you do not need a CS background to apply. If you teach Science, Math, Technical Applications, CTE, or any subject where integrating AI could spark student curiosity, this workshop was built for you. Librarians and instructional coaches are also welcome.
Skill level: novice to expert. The workshop meets you where you are. Learn more about how Forward Education approaches AI education.
What You Get
- $400 stipend paid upon completion
- Travel reimbursement up to $200
- Daily meals during the workshop
- 14 CHARGE for micro:bit kits (a full class set, free to keep)
- Lifetime access to Forward Education's digital learning platform, lesson plans, and project tutorials
- Ongoing support through free virtual webinars after the workshop
Workshop Details
- Dates: Monday, July 27 through Thursday, July 30, 2026
- Time: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT each day
- Location: Forest Park Middle School, Longview ISD (Region 7)
- Grade Levels: Middle school teachers (grades 6-8), librarians, and instructional coaches
- Skill Level: Novice to expert. No prior AI or coding experience required.
- Technology needed: Laptop with a USB port (or adapter) and a Chrome-based browser
- Contact: Shaun Baram at events@forwardedu.com
Selected applicants will be notified by July 1, 2026.
How to Apply
Space is limited. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early.
Questions? Contact Shaun Baram at events@forwardedu.com.
Key Takeaways
- Free, four-day summer workshop for Texas middle school teachers (grades 6-8)
- Earn a $400 stipend plus travel reimbursement and daily meals
- Take home 14 CHARGE for micro:bit kits for your classroom at no cost
- No prior coding or AI experience needed
- Sponsored by WeTeach_CS at The University of Texas at Austin
- Apply now. Selected participants are notified July 1, 2026.
