Cybersecurity Education Through Capture the Flag Challenges (CTF)

Session Dates

Wednesday October 29, 2025 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM - PaTTAN - EAST
Thursday October 30, 2025 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM - PaTTAN - EAST

Closed

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This comprehensive professional development program is designed to equip 9-12 and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement cybersecurity education in their schools. The pathway covers essential topics such as cybersecurity fundamentals, frameworks and standards, curriculum development, diverse learner needs, industry partnerships, hands-on labs, career pathways, and a capstone project.

The program emphasizes aligning curriculum with industry standards, preparing students for certifications, and fostering partnerships with local businesses and higher education institutions. By the end of the pathway, educators will be equipped to develop and implement a robust cybersecurity curriculum, address disparities in cybersecurity education, and guide students toward successful careers in the field.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Describe Capture the Flag methodology, including the various types of CTF competitions, challenge categories, and educational applications.
• Explain the skills necessary for integrating CTF challenges into existing curricula, designing age-appropriate activities, and creating supportive learning environments that encourage exploration and risk-taking.
• Explain advanced facilitation skills specific to CTF activities, including techniques for providing appropriate guidance without revealing solutions, strategies for encouraging persistence and learning from failure, and methods for assessing student progress and understanding in problem-solving contexts.
• Describe cybersecurity career pathways and develop skills for connecting classroom activities to real-world career opportunities.
• List practical skills for creating sustainable cybersecurity education programs, including strategies for building administrative support, recruiting and retaining student participants, and connecting with broader cybersecurity education networks and competitions.

Target Audience

6-12 educators who are teaching or will be teaching computer science/Cybersecurity Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this event. Contact: Sadie Hetrick, at 717-901-2273, or shetrick@pattan.net.