PyCon US will be holding its 14th annual Python Education Summit in person!
- When: Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm PST
- Where: Room 104C at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
- Register here
The Summit is a gathering of teachers and educators focused on bringing coding literacy, through Python, to as many learners as possible. We invite educators from around the world, representing all educational venues and sectors, to join us. Share your insights, learn new techniques and tools, and connect with fellow educators who share your passion for teaching and learning Python.
Education Summit Schedule
9:00–9:10 Welcome & introduction
- Morning and Afternoon Talks: 20 min + 3 min Q&A + 2 min switch
- Lightning talks - 5 min
- Birds of a Feather /Afternoon collaboration / tutorials - 90 minutes
9:10–9:35 Levelling up as a teacher, Sheena
9:35–10:00 Learning Python Through KangaCode, Jeff
10:00-10:25 Is AI a friend or an enemy in education?, Cheuk Ting
10:25–10:50 Learning Analytics in STEM Education Research (LASER)toolkit, Fay
10:50 - 11:15 Vibe teaching: Python training in the era of AI, Reuven
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30–11:35 LT#1: Free Educational AI Resources from Major Vendors, Jim
11:35–11:40 Lightning talk 2
11:45–11:50 Lightning talk 3
Lunch — 60 min (11:50- 12:50)
12:50-1:20 Fostering Authentic CS Practices through Scaffolded Activities, Elizabeth
1:20 - 1:45 Teaching Machine Learning to Teenagers, Corey
1:45 - 2:10 Creative Coding in the Age of AI, Nick
2:10–2:40 Learning Python Through KangaCode: How an RPG Structure Increased Focus and Self-Directed Learning, Jeff
2:40–3:05 Big Lessons from Small Models: Teaching Python AI with SLMs, Gwyneth
Break 2 — 15 min 3:05-3:20
3:20-3:25 LT#1: Pamela
3:25-3:30 Lightning talk 2
3:30-3:35 Lightning talk 3
3:40 - 4:30
- Birds of a feather — Attendee-led open discussion / networking
- Afternoon collaboration / tutorials Working sessions (open block — can split into 1–2 sessions)
- Your Slides, But Faster: Building an AI-powered presentation workflow, Pamela
GOALS
The goal of the Summit is to unite Python educators from diverse backgrounds to:
- Connect, Collaborate, and Learn: Share experiences, gain insights, and form connections for future collaboration.
- Address Common Challenges: Identify shared issues and initiate discussions for teaching and learning Python.
- Foster Community and Inclusion: Build and connect Python educators while promoting a supportive and inclusive environment.
From Education to Empowerment – Teaching Python
Python is essential across industries, including Artificial Intelligence. But as Python becomes easier to access via Generative AI tools, the instructional challenge has changed. We need to move beyond just "getting started" to helping students build lasting skills in coding. If we focus only on speed or finished code, students may miss out on the essentials: problem-solving, debugging, and intentional design.
- How are we teaching Python in ways that empower learners to move from early experimentation to meaningful creation?
- What practices help students develop persistence, judgment, and ownership as their skills grow?
- How do we design learning that supports long-term growth across ages, contexts, and pathways?
Break down of the talk types.
- Morning Talks
20-minute talk plus three minutes of questions and a two minute switch. We will be running on a strict schedule to include as many voices as possible. - Lightning Talks
High-energy, five minute presentations perfect for sharing bite-sized insights without the commitment of a full session. No Q&A. It’s a low-pressure way to get your voice heard and spark conversations that continue in the hallways. Sign-ups available on-site OR you can presubmit a session. - Afternoon Collaboration / Tutorials
These will be 60 minute working sessions, designed by the proposer. These may include:- A working group to review or edit open-source educational materials
- Outlining needs or structures for shared best practices
- Developing plans for ongoing studies or curriculum efforts
- Short workshops on teaching techniques, tools, or classroom strategies
- Birds of a Feather are informal attendee led discussions. These are unstructured sessions to share interests, talk shop or network.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We encourage all attendees to actively engage in the dialogue. Come ready to share, question, listen, and learn. This Summit is a space for educators who care deeply about how Python is taught and how learners grow through coding.
If you have questions, please contact Kelly at email.