As cyberattacks continue to threaten government, industry, and academic networks worldwide, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. To help address this critical need, Virginia Tech’s Division of Information Technology hosts the annual GenCyber camp, an initiative aimed at expanding the number of qualified cybersecurity teachers in K-12 schools.

Funded by a National Science Foundation grant and administered by the National Security Agency, the camp equips educators with the tools and knowledge to teach cybersecurity courses, helping to build a more secure digital future.

This year’s GenCyber camp in June brought together 25 high school teachers from across the nation on campus for a week of intensive cybersecurity education training. Representing communities from Virginia to Colorado, including Maryland, Oklahoma, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, these educators immersed themselves in advanced cybersecurity topics. 

Unlike previous camps, this year’s program was specifically tailored for educators who teach beyond introductory courses, providing them with specialized resources and knowledge to enhance their students’ learning in this critical field. "These camps are crucial to preparing teachers for cybersecurity classes,” said David Raymond, director of the Virginia Cyber Range in Virginia Tech’s Division of Information Technology and lead for the GenCyber program at Virginia Tech. 

“The teachers attending this advanced camp all have a technology background, but many require additional support to master the knowledge and skills needed to teach cybersecurity content effectively.” Raymond said. “This unique program in Blacksburg offers them the chance to deepen their expertise, share valuable resources, and build peer networks that will support their professional growth long after the camp ends.”  

The program featured hands-on training sessions that equipped educators with practical skills and knowledge. Participants engaged in activities within the Virginia Cyber Range, where they navigated simulated real-world cybersecurity scenarios. These exercises provided a deeper understanding of the field’s complexities and challenges, ensuring that educators can confidently apply these skills in their classrooms. 

A standout feature of this year’s camp was its focus on capture the flag (CTF) challenges, a tool in cybersecurity education that moves beyond theoretical knowledge to provide students with real-world problem-solving experiences. 

“In the coming months, I’ll be working closely with teachers to develop lesson plans that integrate these CTF challenges,” said Kristi Rice, a cybersecurity teacher from Spotsylvania High School in Virginia and the camp’s K-12 pedagogical expert. “These activities are not just about technical skills. They cultivate critical thinking, teamwork, and a passion for cybersecurity.” By incorporating capture the flag into their curricula, educators are preparing students with the tools they need to tackle the complex cybersecurity challenges of the future.

The camp also emphasized the importance of collaborative learning, offering educators the opportunity to network and share best practices with their peers. This collaborative environment fostered a sense of community and mutual support that is crucial for the continued development of effective cybersecurity education strategies.  

“Collaboration is key to improving our teaching practices and enhancing our students’ learning experiences,” Rice added. Teachers will spend the next several months working together in teacher learning communities, led by Rice, to further develop lesson plans that will be shared among the group. 

“I learned so much, and I love working with other teachers and sharing ideas,” said Laurie Williams, a participating teacher from Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia. “Most of us are an army of one at our schools, so talking with other cyber teachers is great.”

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