CSTA-MN February Newsletter
Kate Lockwood
CSTA-MN Newsletter: February 2026
🚀 Welcome from CSTA-MN!
Hello CSTA-MN Members and Friends!
There may be snow on the ground, but this month our meeting will focus on summer (or spring) professional development opportunities for computing teachers!
In the newsletter this month, we have some important updates about MN+CS, so please check them out and reach out to a leadership team member with any questions.
📅 Upcoming Chapter Meeting: Summer PD
Our next CSTA-MN Chapter Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 at 3:45 PM via Google Meet.
This month, we’ll be welcoming representatives from multiple local organizations to share about their summer professional development opportunities for teachers. Each guest will give a short presentation and then will stick around for questions. There are a variety of different options and there’s sure to be something that will help you reach your PD goals!
When: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 3:45 PM CST
Future meeting dates and topics:
April 1, 2026: “March” meeting - focus on data science
April 22, 2026: Physical computing
💡 Professional Development & Resources
Looking to expand your teaching toolkit or find new resources? Check out these opportunities:
1. MN+CS Postponed
In light of the ongoing situation in Minneapolis and the rapidly shifting needs of Minnesota schools, we have made the decision to postpone the MN+CS Conference originally scheduled for March 13-14, 2026. Our top priority is to hold an event that is safe, accessible, and valuable for all participants and to be as responsive as possible to teacher needs in a changing landscape.
We are currently planning a new date later this year, with an anticipated gathering in the summer. We’ll be sharing the confirmed schedule and registration details soon.
What this means for you
Your existing registration will be honored for the rescheduled date.
If you are no longer able to attend when the new date is shared, please let us know so we can begin processing your refund.
We truly appreciate your patience and understanding. We are excited to welcome you later this year to celebrate your accomplishments, share ideas, and connect with one another.
Thank you for being part of the MN+CS community. If you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out.
2. District Leader Meeting
Join MDE for the upcoming Computer Science (CS) District Leader Meeting
May 4, 2026
3:30-5 p.m
Register at https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/yqJp2zkhTIeqlZbCYx-hWA#/registration
3. CSTA AI in Action Series
Discover practical, classroom-ready strategies from experienced educators as they share approaches aligned with the CSTA AI priorities. You'll learn how to integrate new tools and practices, build literacy and ethical understanding into your curriculum, and explore proven, ready-to-use lessons. Whether you're new to the topic or looking to deepen your practice, you'll leave with actionable ideas and resources you can implement right away.
When: the next session is Thursday, February 24
4. CSTA Annual Conference
As a computer science teacher, you are often the only one in your building or maybe even your district. But there’s a whole community of computer science educators out there! Connect with them at the CSTA Annual Conference, held each year in July.
When: July 13-15, 2026
Where: New Orleans, LA
Register: learn more and register for CSTA Annual Conference
⭐ Member Spotlight:
Want to be featured? Tell us what you're up to! Reply to this email to be featured or to nominate a colleague.
📚 Book Corner 🌈
We look for more ways to build connection with students around us! Come learn about more screen-free and unplugged activities. Check out some new series that might add to your classroom or school library!
📣 Stay Connected
Join the conversation and connect with other Minnesota CS educators!
Have newsletter items? Email Kate Lockwood, kloc...@spa.edu
Minnesota CSTA Chapter Advancing computer science education for all students.
Contact Minnesota CSTA Chapter