While many students are enjoying summer break, a group of dedicated educators spent this week back in the classroom.
From June 1-5, K-12 CTAE and IT teachers from across Georgia gathered at the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University for an immersive professional development experience focused on cybersecurity education. Throughout the week, educators explored emerging cyber trends, participated in hands-on training and collaborated with fellow teachers who share a common goal: preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world.
As cybersecurity continues to shape nearly every industry, the need for knowledgeable, well-equipped educators has never been greater. The teachers attending this year’s program are helping bridge that gap by bringing current industry knowledge and practical cyber skills directly into their classrooms.
Bringing Cybersecurity Education to More Students
Cybersecurity touches nearly every aspect of modern life. From protecting personal information online to defending critical infrastructure, digital security has become a responsibility shared by individuals, businesses and governments alike.
For educators, that reality creates an opportunity to introduce students to cybersecurity concepts earlier than ever before.
“When the internet was first created, it was not created to do all of the different things that we’re doing on it right now,” said Tiffany Jones of Cyber Global Impact Academy in Fulton County.
As technology evolves and artificial intelligence continues to transform the digital landscape, students need both technical skills and cybersecurity awareness to navigate the future confidently. Teachers play a critical role in helping them build that foundation.
Learning from Industry and Each Other
“The camp is designed to create collaboration among teachers who instruct subjects such as computer science, networking and cybersecurity,” said Danny Etheredge, Director of Training and Workforce Development at the Georgia Cyber Center.
In addition to gaining technical knowledge, participants exchanged ideas, shared classroom experiences and explored new ways to engage students in cybersecurity learning.
For many educators, opportunities like this help ensure their curriculum remains aligned with both industry needs and student interests.
“By us coming to this type of training, learning exactly what we need to train as well as what our students would like to learn, as well as the industry partners, we are meeting that need,” said Keisha Quick, a cybersecurity teacher at Cyber Academy of Excellence.
By the end of the week, teachers felt ready to return to their schools in the fall with new resources, fresh perspectives and practical tools they can apply in their classrooms.
Building the Next Generation of Cyber Talent
The impact of cybersecurity education extends far beyond technical instruction.
Every day, CTAE and IT teachers help students discover new interests, explore career pathways and develop critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives. For some students, a classroom lesson may spark an interest in cybersecurity. For others, it may lead to a future career protecting networks, defending organizations or securing critical systems.
Those possibilities begin with educators who are willing to continue learning themselves.
By investing in professional development opportunities for teachers, the Georgia Cyber Center is helping strengthen the pipeline of future cyber professionals across the state. Every educator who leaves with new knowledge and resources has the potential to impact hundreds of students throughout their career.
A Shared Commitment to Georgia’s Future
At the Georgia Cyber Center, supporting educators is an investment in Georgia’s workforce, economy and cybersecurity future.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must cyber education. Through collaboration, innovation and ongoing professional development, Georgia’s educators are helping prepare the next generation to meet those challenges head-on.
And it all starts in the classroom.
In the News
Get a closer look at this year’s educator training program through local media coverage:
WFXG Fox 54: Preparing the CSRA for the Next Generation of Cyber Careers
WJBF NewsChannel 6: Georgia Cyber Center Hosts Educators for Cybersecurity Development Workshop
Recent Posts
