CSTA 2025 in Cleveland showed us what’s possible when educators come together. From the sessions to the hallway chats, it was clear that computer science educators are thinking deeply about more than just code. We’re reflecting on who’s in our classrooms, how they’re feeling, and how we can use CS as a tool for empowerment.
Here are five big takeaways I walked away with. These were the themes that kept surfacing again and again, and how we at Miami EdTech are working to support educators in turning those insights into action.
1. Our Classrooms Need to Be Safe Spaces — Now More Than Ever
Something I heard (and felt) repeatedly was a growing concern about how immigration policy is impacting students. Some educators shared that their students are missing school out of fear of ICE, or struggling with anxiety that makes learning really hard. But this is not just a feeling, numbers tell the story,
- In California’s Central Valley, after a major ICE raid in early 2025, student absences jumped by about 22%, especially among younger children: up by nearly 30% in pre-K and K–5 groups(Standford University).
- Utah school districts saw attendance drop from 91% to 87% after policy shifts allowing enforcement in schools (The Salt Lake Tribune).
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reported Hispanic student absences rising nearly 9.6% axios.com.
While these numbers are deeply concerning, something what stood out just as strongly was a shared belief: We, as educators, have the power to create safety — emotionally and psychologically inside our classrooms.
At Miami EdTech, we take this seriously. That’s why we integrate culturally responsive teaching and social-emotional learning strategies into our professional development. When students feel safe, they can show up as themselves, and that’s when real learning happens.
2. Equity and Inclusion Aren’t Buzzwords — They’re Daily Practices
It wasn’t just one session, equity was everywhere. From increasing access for multilingual learners to helping girls and students of color see themselves as coders, the message was clear: Representation is great, but real inclusion shows up in your lesson plans.
Our work at Miami EdTech centers around helping teachers design inclusive, identity-affirming instruction. Through our coaching and training, we support educators in meeting students where they are, culturally, and academically.
3. AI Is Everywhere — and Teachers Are Craving Guidance
There was a lot of buzz about AI, not just the tech itself, but the ethics around it. Questions like: How do we teach students to use AI responsibly? What are the boundaries? The truth is, these are still open questions but they’re important ones.
We’re helping teachers get ahead of the curve through our AI + Ethics professional development, giving educators both the tools and the language to start these conversations in the classroom.
4. Interdisciplinary = Engagement
One of the most fun parts of the conference? Seeing how creative CS educators are getting. There were sessions on using music, dance, and storytelling to teach coding, and plenty of energy around project-based learning that ties computer science to real-world problems.
That’s our jam. At Miami EdTech, we champion this kind of work through hands-on curriculum development support. We want to help teachers connect CS to what students already care about, because when that happens, magic follows.
5. Policies Are Shifting — But Teachers Are the Constant
Even with all the innovation, there was a quiet thread of concern about the future of education. Educators are paying attention to legislative trends, funding, and cultural tensions that can feel overwhelming. But despite the uncertainty, there was also a deep sense of resilience.
For the most part there is a feeling that we might not be able to change everything at once, but we can show up for our students today.
That’s why our work at Miami EdTech includes real-world support for real-life challenges. From helping teachers stay competitive with evolving certifications to giving them space to process and adapt, we’re committed to walking alongside educators every step of the way.
What Comes Next?
CSTA 2025 reminded us that the world is shifting fast, and teaching computer science isn’t just about algorithms. It’s about building critical thinkers, confident problem-solvers, and compassionate humans.
At Miami EdTech, we’re here to help educators lead that charge, with training, coaching, and community built around equity, innovation, and impact. Check out our offerings and be part of the movement at miamiedtech.com
