What an incredible week it was at the CSTA Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, from July 7th to 11th, 2025! The Miami EdTech team had an absolutely fantastic time reconnecting with our long-standing Computer Science Education friends from across the US, sharing ideas, and soaking in the vibrant energy of the CS community.
The Huntington Convention Center was buzzing with excitement, offering an “Encore of Exceptional Learning” with over 200 electrifying sessions crafted by teachers for teachers. From hands-on workshops like “Teach an AI to Play Pong” and “Partnering with AI for Learning: Enhancing Coding and Debugging Skills in the Classroom” to discussions on “Coding for a Cause: CS Education for Social Impact” and “Addressing Your Expert Perspective and Implicit Assumptions in CS Education,” there was truly something for everyone, whether you were new to teaching CS or a seasoned veteran. The conference also featured captivating keynotes and focused sessions on ethical generative AI, fostering creativity, and building equitable coaching practices in CS education.
Our Miami EdTech booth was a hub of activity, allowing us to engage with countless passionate educators and showcase our latest initiatives. It was truly inspiring to see the dedication of K-12 computer science teachers and feel the collective drive to empower the next generation of innovators.
A highlight of the conference was the powerful panel, “Black Love, Brown Pride: CS for Culture,” which featured our very own Willy Orozco, the new VP of Miami EdTech. Willy, alongside other esteemed CS education leaders – Allen Antoine (Director, Computer Science Education Strategy, The University of Texas at Austin), Joe Meléndez (Research Scholar, The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State), Tory Wadlington (Co-Founder, Equity in Action – California), Delmar Wilson (CS Teacher, Miami Springs Senior High), Leonardo Painevilo (CS Educator, Career Institute North, Dallas Independent School District), and Mark Godinez (national award-winning CS Teacher in Homestead, FL) – delved into powerful narratives of Black and Hispanic men in computing.
The session explored shared challenges, celebrated cultural distinctions, and highlighted the deep-seated resilience that fuels the pursuit of broader participation in tech. Through storytelling and honest dialogue, the panel emphasized the duality of unity and diversity within our communities, underscoring cultural pride and collective ambition, and offering strategies to amplify diverse voices and foster a more inclusive vision of computing for all.
And what better way to cap off such an impactful week than with a night of rock and roll? On the last evening of the conference, teachers were able to unwind and enjoy some time at the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was an incredible opportunity to let loose, enjoy a fantastic cover band, jam with fellow educators, and simply mingle with the broader CS community.
This conference truly embodied the mission of CSTA: to create a thriving community that fosters continuous growth, belonging, and connection among CS educators, equipping them with the resources they need to deliver high-quality, accessible, and inclusive computer science education for every student. We left Cleveland feeling energized, inspired, and more committed than ever to our shared goal of preparing all students for a world powered by computing.
Whether you’re a student looking for opportunities, an organization looking to collaborate in CS Education, or an employer looking for new talent, we invite you to check out our website for our different offerings: miamiedtech.com.
We can’t wait for CSTA 2026 in New Orleans!
For more information, please contact info@miamiedtech.com
