Winter 2026 Working Connections

Program Policies

The goal of the National IT Innovation Center’s (NITIC) Working Connections professional development is to equip IT faculty at two-year institutions of higher education with the expertise needed to teach their track content in a subsequent semester. This ensures that the most current information reaches their classrooms, either as a stand-alone course or as supplemental material to an existing course. 

Cost:  

• Tuition is FREE; there is no fee to attend. 

Eligibility:  

• Working Connections is for faculty and administrators currently teaching IT credit courses (full-time or adjunct) at a regionally accredited U.S. two-year community college or technical college.
• To ensure equitable access to new learning opportunities, participants may not enroll in the same track more than once. Tracks that repeat previously offered content will be clearly noted, and individuals who have already completed the course are not eligible to retake it.
• Attendees are expected to use what they learn in their track to teach or supervise a class in the next 12 months.
• High school teachers may only attend if they also teach as a community college adjunct.
• Seats will be limited to 2 per institution. Additional faculty will be placed on a waitlist and will receive a seat if space becomes available after registration closes.

Registration:  

• Completing the registration form requests your seat. Your seat is not confirmed until you receive a registration confirmation email from NITIC.
• Each individual may only submit one application for registration. Only the first submission will be considered, and any subsequent registrations will be disregarded without further notice.
• IT Innovation Network (ITIN) member institutions will have a priority window to register and will be notified of the dates via the NITIC mailing list.

Attendance Requirements: 

• This is a synchronous online workshop.
• Instructors have been instructed to track attendance and participation. Participants are expected to attend and actively engage in all scheduled sessions. Attendance means contributing to discussions, completing in-class activities, and being present for live instructions – not just logging in. 
• Missing more than 25% of the total class time will disqualify you from earning the Credly badge. Participants must attend at least 75% of the total instructional time to adhere to the standards of the program. 
• If you anticipate any absence, notify your instructor and NITIC in advance. If your absence is unexpected, please notify your instructor and NITIC as soon as you are able.  
• Instructors are not required to provide make-up work or spend time outside of scheduled sessions helping participants catch up if time is missed. Any make-up work is at the instructor’s discretion, and completion of the work does not override the 25% limit. 

Cancellation/Track Changes: 

• If you must cancel your registration or request a track change, please notify Mark Dempsey at mdempsey@collin.edu immediately before November 30th. 
• To be good stewards of our NSF ATE grant funding, we must fill all available seats. Attendees who register but then fail to show up without providing advance notice may be ineligible for future Working Connections workshops. Please inform us right away if you’re not able to attend. 

Tracks:  

• Tracks run for the entire duration of Working Connections session; attendees may only select one track.
• Some tracks have specific pre-requisites or requirements. Be sure to read the track details before requesting to register.
• Tracks may be repeated throughout the year. See the track details to ensure you’re not registering for a track you’ve already completed.
• Seating capacity varies by lab, track, and instructor, but typically capped at 20 attendees.
• Webcam and dual monitors are highly recommended. Tracks often require being able to read instructions and perform the project.
• Recordings and use of AI notetaking assistants during online tracks are left up to the sole discretion of the instructor. NITIC is not facilitating, storing, or managing recordings or AI transcriptions.
• Be sure to check for time zone differences. You are responsible for ensuring you do not miss your track.

Completion Credential:  

• NITIC has teamed up with Credly to provide digital badges to showcase verified Working Connection credentials.
• Only those who attend 75% or more of the course AND pass the required track assessment with a grade of 80% or better will receive their badge.
• Badges will be issued within 30 days of completion and can be showcased on LinkedIn, email signatures, or printed as a certificate. Hard copies can be printed from Credly’s website and will reflect CEUs earned.

Survey:  

• All attendees will complete a survey before the end of the event. 
• Longitudinal surveys will continue to be sent after the event to measure lasting impact.  

AI Tools Reimagined Across IT: A Hands-On Workshop on Ethical Use and Career-Ready Skills (INTERMEDIATE)

December 15-17 9:00am-12noon, 1pm-5:30pm Central ET (10:00am-1:00pm, 2:00pm-6:30pm Eastern) 

Description

Hands-on and beyond the basics, this track shows IT faculty how to teach students to use AI tools ethically and to turn them into workplace career skills. Over three days, participants work with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, and NotebookLM, then with innovative tools for coding (GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code), web and app building (Lovable, Bolt, v0), data analysis (Julius AI), automation and agents (n8n, Dify), networking labs (NetPilot), private local models (Ollama), AI security labs, and AI roleplay simulation (Virti). 

Every lab pairs a skill students practice with an ethical guardrail (data protection, disclosure, verification, authorized scope) and a career artifact such as a portfolio entry or documented workflow. Faculty from every IT area, including web, data analytics, programming, software development, AI automation, systems administration, networking, and cybersecurity, leave with three ready-to-use assignments, a student AI-use agreement, and a career-alignment map. Most tools are used on free tiers. 

Certification Prep 

No specific certification. The track builds AI-literacy, responsible-use, and tool skills that complement IT certification pathways. 

Objectives 

By the end of this track, participants will be able to: 

• Evaluate major large language models and AI tools for fit, limitations, and data-protection risks in discipline-specific IT tasks.
• Design student assignments that require verification, disclosure, and protection of sensitive data when AI tools are used.
• Apply AI tools for coding, web, data, automation, networking, and security to produce portfolio-ready student work.
• Create a three-assignment package, with a rubric and career-alignment map, that connects AI-supported tasks to workplace skills.

Pre-requisites 

Experience teaching or training in an IT-related subject and prior hands-on use of at least one AI assistant (this track goes beyond introductory AI). Comfort installing software on your own computer. 

Required Textbook

None.

Suggested/optional Textbook  

• None. Participants receive instructor-provided materials, templates, and links.

At-Home Computer Requirements

Reliable internet connection. Windows, Linux, or macOS computer (laptop or desktop) on which you can install software (administrator rights), 8 GB RAM minimum and 16 GB recommended, a current web browser.  High-speed broadband is required.  A microphone and camera are required. A second monitor is helpful for working in the labs while following the instructor.

Please note that content is subject to change or modification based on the unique needs of the track participants in attendance.  

Agenda

Dec. 15: Ethical use and workplace-ready LLM practice 

• 9:00–9:45 Tool selection and failure modes across ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, and NotebookLM
• 9:45–10:00 Break
• 10:00–11:30 Ethics, law, and data protection in IT work
• 11:30–12:00 Advanced prompting as a professional skill (part 1)
• 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Break
• 1:00–2:00 Advanced prompting (part 2): building a prompt library
• 2:00–3:30 Verification and research workflows with Perplexity and NotebookLM
• 3:30–3:45 Break
• 3:45–5:00 Career alignment: mapping assignments to workplace tasks
• 5:00–5:30 Wrap-up and Assignment 1 peer feedback

Dec. 16: Teaching students to build with AI 

• 9:00–10:30 AI-assisted development: GitHub Copilot, Cursor or Windsurf, Claude Code, Warp
• 10:30–10:45 Break
• 10:45–12:00 Web and app builders (Lovable, Bolt, v0, Replit), part 1
• 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Break
• 1:00–1:15 Web and app builders, part 2: accessibility and security audit
• 1:15–2:45 Data analytics with AI: Julius AI, ChatGPT, Claude, Colab
• 2:45–4:15 AI automation and agents: n8n, Dify, and agent delegation
• 4:15–4:30 Break
• 4:30–5:30 Assignment studio and peer review

Dec. 17: Infrastructure, security, simulation, and capstone 

• 9:00–10:15 AI-built networks and cloud operations: NetPilot, Packet Tracer, instructor demonstrations
• 10:15–10:30 Break
• 10:30–11:45 Cybersecurity and private models: Ollama, AI red teaming labs, DVAP
• 11:45–12:00 Simulation with Virti, part 1
• 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Break
• 1:00–1:45 Simulation with Virti, part 2: building a scored roleplay scenario
• 1:45–2:15 Vetting AI tools
• 2:15–3:30 Capstone: assignment package
• 3:30–3:45 Break
• 3:45–4:30 Showcase, adoption plan, and post-workshop assessment (ends 4:30 Central)

Instructor

Nancy Miller is a Professor of Information Technology (Network Management) at Forsyth Technical Community College, where she teaches in the Davis iTEC Cyber Security Center, and the AI Innovator in Residence for the North Carolina Community College System, serving all 58 colleges. She has taught for 25 years after 10 years in the IT industry. Her work spans AI integration in instruction, faculty professional development, authentic assessment design, curriculum development, grant writing, and workforce development. She holds an MBA and MCSE, A+, Server+, Google Certified Educator, and Google AI certifications; is a Cisco Teacher of Excellence and Microsoft Certified Trainer; and is a national keynote speaker on AI and workforce innovation.

Course Vibing: Building Courses with AI, GitHub Codespaces, and the Canvas API (INTRO)

December 15-17 9:00am-12noon, 1pm-5:30pm Central ET (10:00am-1:00pm, 2:00pm-6:30pm Eastern) 

Description

Spend three days building real course content with AI. You will connect a GitHub Codespace to the Canvas API, export your course as JSON so an AI assistant can audit it for gaps, and turn your ideas into Canvas pages, assignments, and modules. Every change runs as a dry run first, and nothing goes live until you approve it. You will leave with a working repository, a published capstone in your own course, and a repeatable workflow for keeping your courses current. 

Note that this is a repeat of a track offered at the 2026 Summer Working Connections event – if you attended that track, you cannot register to attend this track.

Note: if you are already proficient with APIs, this track will likely be too basic for you.

Certification Prep 

N/A.

Objectives

• Configure a GitHub Codespace with secrets to connect securely to the Canvas API.
• Analyze a Canvas course JSON export with AI to identify gaps and inconsistencies.
• Create and publish Canvas content using AI generated Python scripts with a dry run and review workflow.
• Evaluate AI generated code for correctness and security before running it against a live course.

Pre-requisites

Instructor access to a Canvas course (a sandbox course is best). You must have an approved Canvas access token before the first day of class. College IT departments can take a long time to approve tokens, so request yours as soon as you register. Without one, you will not be able to take part in the hands-on activities. No coding experience required. If you are already proficient with APIs, this track will likely be too basic for you. 

Required Textbook

N/A.

Suggested/optional Textbook

N/A.

At-Home Computer Requirements

A laptop or desktop computer with the Chrome browser, a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. A second monitor is helpful. All work runs in the browser, so no software installation is needed. 

Please note that content is subject to change or modification based on the unique needs of the track participants in attendance.  

Agenda 

Dec. 15:

• Morning: welcome, the Course Vibing model (from idea to Canvas page), and Lab 1: create your repository from the template, add Codespaces secrets, and make your first Canvas API connection. Afternoon: export your course as JSON, run an AI audit of your course, and practice reading, editing, and committing scripts with GitHub.

Dec. 16:

• Morning: generate Canvas pages and assignments with AI, use the dry run and confirm workflow, and debug scripts. Afternoon: automate repetitive tasks (date shifts, bulk updates, accessibility fixes), review AI generated code for security and student data privacy, and plan your capstone.

Dec. 17:

• Morning: build your capstone. Afternoon: finish and verify your capstone against a fresh course export, share repositories, and present in a closing showcase.

Instructor

Jonnathan Resendiz is an Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems at Grand Rapids Community College, where he leads the CIS department and serves as Faculty Director of the GRCC AI Incubator. He is Principal Investigator on GRCC’s NSF ATE grant, the Artificial Intelligence Certification Enhancement Project (AICEP), which builds AI pathways for students and the regional workforce. He holds a master’s degree in Computer Science and is pursuing a doctorate in Community College Leadership at Ferris State University. Jonnathan presented Course Vibing at HI-TEC 2026 and taught the Vibe Coding track at Summer Working Connections ONLINE 2026. 

At WCTC, Dr. Green serves as the instructor for the global IT experience. Additionally, he teaches Python at an all-men’s high school and provides media development instruction to a team in Bangladesh.

Dr. Green holds a Doctorate in Ministry with a focus in Education from Northwind Theological Seminary, a Master’s in Educational Technology and Curriculum, and an undergraduate degree in Business and Math Computing from Eastern Illinois University. He has also completed a post-graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Marquette University.

Proxmox: From First Install to High-Availability Cluster (INTERMEDIATE)

December 15-17 9:00am-12noon, 1pm-5:30pm Central ET (10:00am-1:00pm, 2:00pm-6:30pm Eastern) 

Description

Many IT programs have been rethinking how they run virtualization labs since Broadcom moved VMware to subscription-only licensing. Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) is an open-source alternative built on Debian Linux. It runs KVM virtual machines and LXC containers on the same host, is managed through a web interface or the command line, and is free to use, with optional paid subscriptions for the enterprise repository and vendor support. 

This three-day, hands-on track takes faculty from a bare install to a working high-availability cluster. Attendees install and configure Proxmox VE nodes, set up users and permissions, deploy and template virtual machines and containers, and work with local storage, networked storage, and virtual networks. They protect workloads with scheduled backups and Proxmox Backup Server, manage the platform from the command line, and then join nodes into a cluster with high availability. The last afternoon includes an in-place upgrade to Proxmox VE 9 and closes with an open-ended challenge lab. The track has 17 labs and nine short assessments, and it is built for faculty who teach virtualization, server administration, or Linux and want a lab sequence they can bring back to their own courses. 

Certification Prep

Proxmox does not offer a certification exam. Proxmox Server Solutions issues certificates of completion only for its own paid training courses. The track’s virtualization, storage, and backup content maps to objectives in CompTIA Server+, and the command-line work reinforces Linux administration skills covered in CompTIA Linux+. 

Objectives

• Install and configure a Proxmox VE node, including repository selection, core system settings, and role-based access for users and groups.
• Deploy, modify, clone, and template KVM virtual machines and LXC containers using both the web interface and the command line.
• Compare local and networked storage options, then implement virtual networking and a backup and restore plan that uses Proxmox Backup Server.
• Construct a multi-node cluster with high availability, upgrade a node to Proxmox VE 9, and troubleshoot an integrated configuration in an open-ended challenge lab.

Pre-requisites

• Working comfort with the Linux command line (navigating the file system, editing configuration files, managing services) and basic TCP/IP networking, including IP addressing, subnet masks, gateways, and DNS.  
• Attendees should understand general virtualization concepts such as hypervisors and virtual machines.  
• No prior Proxmox VE experience is required.  
• Experience with VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V is helpful but not expected. 

Required Textbook

None. All lab guides and lecture presentations are provided. 

Suggested/optional Textbook

Proxmox VE Administration Guide, free from Proxmox Server Solutions (pve.proxmox.com/pve-docs). Proxmox Backup Server documentation, also free (pbs.proxmox.com/docs). 

At-Home Computer Requirements

A Windows, macOS, or Linux computer with a current version of Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, a reliable broadband connection, and a webcam, microphone, and headset or speakers for the online sessions. A second monitor (or one large display) is strongly recommended so attendees can watch the instructor’s screen and work in the lab at the same time. All Proxmox VE servers run in a hosted lab environment, so attendees do not need a local hypervisor, nested virtualization, or special hardware. An SSH client (built into Windows 10/11, macOS, and Linux) is useful for the CLI lab but optional, since Proxmox VE includes a browser-based shell. 

Please note that content is subject to change or modification based on the unique needs of the track participants in attendance.  

Agenda

Dec. 15: Foundations, Installation, and First Workloads

• 9:00-9:45 Welcome, introductions, and track overview; Proxmox VE architecture; Assessment 01: Introduction to Proxmox VE 
• 9:45-10:15 Lab 1: Accessing the Lab Environment 
• 10:15-10:30 Break 
• 10:30-12:00 Subscriptions and repositories; Assessment 02: Proxmox VE Subscriptions and Repositories; Lab 2: Installing Proxmox VE; Assessment 03: Proxmox VE Installation 
• 12:00-1:00 Lunch 
• 1:00-2:00 Lab 3: Basic Setup and Configuration; Assessment 04: Proxmox VE GUI Navigation 
• 2:00-3:00 Lab 4: Users, Groups, and Permissions 
• 3:00-3:15 Break 
• 3:15-4:15 Lab 5A: Deploying Virtual Machines 
• 4:15-5:15 Lab 5B: Deploying Containers 
• 5:15-5:30 Day 1 wrap-up and questions 

Dec. 16: Managing Workloads, Storage, and Backup

• 9:00-9:15 Day 1 review and questions 
• 9:15-10:15 Lab 6: Modifying Virtual Machines and Containers 
• 10:15-10:30 Break 
• 10:30-11:15 Lab 7: Cloning and Container Templates; Assessment 07: Proxmox VE User, Virtual Machine and Container Management 
• 11:15-12:00 Lab 8: Local Storage 
• 12:00-1:00 Lunch 
• 1:00-2:00 Lab 9: Networked Storage; Assessment 05: Proxmox VE Virtual Storage 
• 2:00-3:00 Lab 10: Backup 
• 3:00-3:15 Break 
• 3:15-5:00 Lab 11: Proxmox Backup Server; Assessment 08: Proxmox VE Backup Server Configuration 
• 5:00-5:30 Discussion: what it takes to host Proxmox VE labs for your own students; Day 2 wrap-up 

Dec. 17: Networking, Command Line, and Clustering

• 9:00-9:15 Day 2 review and questions 
• 9:15-10:15 Lab 12: Networks; Assessment 06: Proxmox VE Virtual Networking 
• 10:15-10:30 Break 
• 10:30-12:00 Lab 13: Command Line Interface (CLI) 
• 12:00-1:00 Lunch 
• 1:00-2:15 Lab 14: Clustering and High Availability; Assessment 09: Proxmox VE Clusters 
• 2:15-3:00 Lab 16: Upgrading a Proxmox Node to PVE 9 
• 3:00-3:15 Break 
• 3:15-4:45 Lab 15: Challenge Lab 
• 4:45-5:30 Challenge lab debrief, Q&A on bringing Proxmox VE into your courses, track evaluation, and close 

Instructors

Dr. Frazier Smith brings a unique combination of technical expertise and educational leadership to the field of information technology and artificial intelligence education. His research centers on the application of artificial intelligence in career development programs and evaluating the effectiveness of post-secondary career and technical education programs in preparing students for industry. 

With over a decade of experience spanning corporate technical training and higher education, including leadership roles at VMware and Broadcom, Dr. Smith has developed expertise in curriculum design, workforce development, and educational technology. His technical foundation spans cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), virtualization technologies, cybersecurity, and network architecture, complemented by hands-on experience in data center design and systems administration.

As co-Principal Investigator on an NSF grant focused on “Generating Artificial Intelligence Talent” and a key contributor to developing one of the first associate-degree AI programs in North Carolina, he works at the crossroads of AI innovation and workforce readiness. His doctoral research and practical experience position him to address critical questions about how post-secondary institutions can best prepare students for careers in diverse technology fields.

Security+ (INTRO)

December 15-17 9:00am-12noon, 1pm-5:30pm Central ET (10:00am-1:00pm, 2:00pm-6:30pm Eastern) 

Description

This workshop helps faculty build a strong foundation in cybersecurity while preparing for the globally recognized, vendor-neutral CompTIA Security+ certification, a gateway to intermediate-level IT security roles. Through hands-on troubleshooting exercises and real-world scenarios, participants will learn to assess and secure enterprise environments, apply principles of governance, risk management, and compliance, and identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents across on-premises, cloud, mobile, and IoT systems. Crosswalks for popular security certifications will also be provided, helping faculty see how Security+ content aligns with other industry credentials. Faculty will also gain current, industry-aligned knowledge they can bring into their courses and curriculum. Participants are expected to engage actively in the hands-on activities and interactive discussions.  On the last day, attendees will learn how Security+ crosswalks with popular security industry certifications such as CISSP and SecurityX. 

Certification Prep 

Security+

Objectives 

• Assess and secure enterprise environments by applying security best practices across on-premises, cloud, mobile, and IoT systems.
• Apply governance, risk management, and compliance principles to evaluate organizational security policies and reduce risk.
• Identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents using hands-on troubleshooting techniques and real-world scenarios.
• Use crosswalks for popular security certifications to map Security+ content to other credentials and integrate current, industry-aligned concepts into their courses and curriculum.

Pre-requisites 

• Basic computer and networking knowledge.

Required Textbook

CompTIA Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals by Mark Ciampa | 8th Edition | Copyright 2025 MindTap + eBook, 9798214027784 (free instructor access through your institution will be sufficient)

Suggested/optional Textbook  

Security Pro (SY0-701) version English 8.0 ISBN: 978-1-935080-44-2 

At-Home Computer Requirements

• Computer with internet access 

Please note that content is subject to change or modification based on the unique needs of the track participants in attendance.  

Agenda

Dec. 15:

• Security Foundations, Attack surfaces and controls, Cryptography

Dec. 16:

• Device security, mobile and embedded device security, IAM, Infrastructure security

Dec. 17:

• Vulnerability Management, Incident Preparation, Information Security Manageme, Security+ crosswalk with popular security industry certifications such as CISSP, SecurityX, etc.

Instructor

Stephanie Wascher is an experienced educator and cybersecurity professional with a strong background in computer networking, information security, and instructional technology. She currently serves as the Computer Information Systems Academic Chair and Professor at Rock Valley College, where she leads programs in networking and cybersecurity. With extensive experience in both higher education and high school instruction, she has been instrumental in developing comprehensive curricula and aligning courses with industry standards. 

Teaching Power BI: From Data to Dashboards (Faculty Hands-On Workshop) (INTRO)

December 15-17 9:00am-12noon, 1pm-5:30pm Central ET (10:00am-1:00pm, 2:00pm-6:30pm Eastern) 

Description

This hands-on workshop introduces college instructors to teaching Microsoft Power BI through scaffolded, practical learning activities. Participants will import and transform data using Power Query, build semantic models and DAX calculations, create accessible and interactive reports, and explore time intelligence, what-if scenarios, and options for publishing reports to the Power BI Service. Throughout the workshop, participants develop a Power BI report, a classroom-ready mini-lab, and assessment strategies they can adapt for their own students.  On the last day, attendees will learn how Security+ crosswalks with popular security industry certifications such as CISSP and SecurityX. 

Certification Prep 

Supports selected skills in Microsoft PL-300 (Power BI Data Analyst Associate). Note: this short workshop is not complete certification preparation.

Objectives 

• Transform and validate datasets using Power Query.
• Construct semantic models and calculate business metrics with DAX.
• Design and evaluate accessible, interactive Power BI reports.
• Demonstrate report publishing options in the Power BI Service and develop scaffolded classroom labs with assessment criteria.

Pre-requisites 

Basic spreadsheet literacy (tables, formulas, charts) and comfort with downloading and extracting ZIP files. No prior Power BI experience required.

Required Textbook

No textbook required. Digital workshop handouts and datasets provided.

Suggested/optional Textbook  

Microsoft Learn: Power BI learning paths. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/powerplatform/power-bi 

At-Home Computer Requirements

A Windows 10/11 computer capable of running the current version of Microsoft Power BI Desktop is required. Additional requirements include at least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB preferred), sufficient storage for sample datasets, a stable broadband internet connection, and a modern web browser. A microphone (built-in or external) is required for participation in discussions and collaborative activities; a webcam is recommended. A second monitor is also recommended, but not required, to facilitate following demonstrations while completing hands-on exercises. An eligible Microsoft work or school account is recommended for optional Power BI Service publishing activities. 

Mac users: Power BI Desktop is not available natively for macOS. Mac participants may use a Windows virtual machine or remote Windows computer to complete the hands-on exercises. Participants choosing this option are responsible for installing, configuring, testing, and troubleshooting their Windows environment and Power BI Desktop before the workshop begins. Technical support for Mac-specific virtualization or Windows installation issues will not be provided during workshop sessions. Although Power BI can be accessed through a web browser on macOS, browser-based workflows differ from Power BI Desktop and may not support all workshop exercises.

Please note that content is subject to change or modification based on the unique needs of the track participants in attendance.  

Agenda

Dec. 15:

• Power BI foundations; loading and transforming data; modeling; introductory DAX; first interactive report.

Dec. 16:

• Visual design and user interactions; dates and time intelligence; what-if parameters; reporting studio and peer feedback.

Dec. 17:

• Power BI Service and free licensing; report publishing and dashboards; row-level security and governance; completion of Power BI reports; development of classroom-ready mini-labs and assessment rubrics; peer teaching and feedback.

Instructor

Sarah Kaufman, MCS, MPA, MA, is full-time Residential Faculty in the Computer Information Systems Department at Mesa Community College. Her teaching focuses on connecting technical concepts to practical, real-world applications. With a multidisciplinary background spanning computer science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, education, project management, and organizational leadership, she creates engaging learning experiences that build student confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and prepare students for continued education and careers in technology.