This spring, I’m running (Linda from Hello Ruby) a workshop for twenty Texas K–8 teachers called Playful Computing.
Six Fridays on Zoom, May through July. It’s the workshop I’ve wanted to build for a long time, everything I’ve learned about teaching computational thinking over the past decade, distilled into something a classroom teacher can actually use on Monday morning.
It’s funded through WeTeach_CS at UT Austin, which means it’s completely free for participants. Every teacher gets a physical kit shipped to their door—three Hello Ruby books, a reflection journal, a student workbook, Play-Doh, sidewalk chalk, stickers, and a classroom poster. They also earn 30 hours of PD credit and a $350 stipend on completion.
This workshop is especially for K–5 generalists who’ve been told they need to teach computer science and have no idea where to start. But it’s also for 6–8 STEM specialists, librarians, media specialists, instructional coaches, and ESC staff. No CS experience required. The cohort is mixed on purpose, so we'll have kindergarten teachers sit alongside middle school specialists and district coordinators.
If you’re an educator anywhere in the US, you might know a Texas teacher. Or you’re in a Facebook group or Slack channel with one. If you could share the application link (or even just forward this email) that’s the single most helpful thing you could do. The best PD recommendations come from a person, not an algorithm.
Here in short:
Playful Computing: Teaching Algorithms through Story and Imagination
6 Fridays, 9 AM–2 PM CT · May 8 – July 10, 2026
Live on Zoom + mailed kit
For Texas K–8 educators · No CS experience needed
Free · $350 stipend · 30 PD hours from UT Austin · Sub coverage reimbursement available
Thank you for being here!
Linda
P.S. If you’re not in Texas but wish there were something like this near you—reply and tell me where. I’m keeping a list!
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