Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science
DPI is partnering with UIUC’s College of Education to launch the 6th Cohort of its Teaching Endorsement in Computer Science (CSTed) in the summer of 2025! With curriculum specifically focused on the teaching and learning of CS, this online plan of study is designed for current teachers with a valid Professional Educator License (PEL) in grades 5-12.
This 5-semester, cohort-based pathway was developed in partnership with UIUC Grainger College of Engineering, and meets the Illinois State Board of Education’s credit requirement for obtaining a subsequent teaching endorsement in computer science.
The Next CS Teaching Endorsement Cohort
Begins begins June 15th, 2026
With an introductory Computer Programming and the CS Classroom course.
Registration opens April 23rd, 2026
Key Features:
Accessibility. All courses are offered online and delivered synchronously.
Convenience. Attend one evening course during the school year.
Ongoing Support. Virtual office hours with faculty.
Community of Practice. Join a cohort and participate in peer mentoring with in-service educators throughout the State of Illinois.
Professional Development. Acquire knowledge and skills that are core to computer science, including: computer programming, computer systems, data structures, and more.
Enhanced Marketability. Demonstrate expertise and knowledge related to technology integration and curricular design in your classroom.
Networking. Build partnerships with organizations in the greater CS education community.
CS Endorsement Courses:
- CI 438: Computer Programming and the CS Classroom (Summer 1)
This course introduces educators to the theoretical, pedagogical, and practical aspects of teaching computer programming in the K-12 classroom setting. - CI 480: Introduction to Computer Science for CS Teachers (Fall 1)
This course introduces the core concepts of CS and programming for educators to gain experience creating programs using text-based programming languages. - CI 487: Data Structures for CS Teachers (Spring 1)
This course provides opportunities for educators to reflect on the importance of data structure knowledge in the context of the CS classroom. - CI 486: Teaching Methods for CS Teachers (Summer 2)
This course is designed to help educators put instructional theory, especially as it relates to CS education, into practice. - CI 483: Computer Systems for CS Teachers (Fall 2)
This course teaches the fundamentals of how computers represent data, execute programs, manage inputs and outputs, and communicate together via networks. - CI 492: Introduction to Algorithms for CS Teachers (Fall 2)
This course introduces fundamental mathematical concepts used for computations. - CI 488: Capstone Project for CS Teachers (Optional)
Want to Teach CS?
Start Here!
Attend an online info session to meet our faculty and staff, preview courses, learn about opportunities for funding, and more!
- Online Info Session
- Mon 2/23/26
5:00pm
Meet members of
the CSTed Team - Online Info Session
- Wed 4/15/26
5:00pm
Meet the UIUC Staff
- Online Info Session
Thurs 3/12/26
6:00pm
Current & Former
Student Panel
- Online Info Session
Thurs 5/21/26
4:30pm
Meet the Staff &
Registration Support
In Partnership With
