As technology continues to reshape our world, the need for cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy in K–12 education has never been more urgent. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is partnering with local educators to meet this challenge head-on through two transformative initiatives: the GenCyber Teacher Camp, funded by the National Security Agency, and CyberTEACH, part of the Cyber SyncED program.
These programs go beyond professional development. They reflect UMGC’s strategic investment in building cybersecurity awareness early by equipping educators to spark interest, confidence, and digital fluency in the next generation. By partnering with teachers from Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, UMGC is building a collaborative network of educators equipped to bring cybersecurity into their classrooms and help prepare the next generation of digital citizens to thrive in our increasingly technical, rapidly changing world.
Empowering Educators Through Innovative Cybersecurity Training
UMGC’s CyberTEACH and GenCyber Teacher Camp programs provide hands-on, accessible training for teachers of all backgrounds, helping them integrate cybersecurity into their classrooms and inspire students to explore digital safety and careers in tech.
CyberTEACH, launched in collaboration with the Army Research Laboratory and the Energetics Technology Center, has quickly become a sought-after training opportunity for non-STEM middle and high school teachers. It opens doors for educators to explore cybersecurity as a growing career field and equips them to guide students in understanding how to protect themselves online.
“A fundamental goal is to encourage students to take an interest in cybersecurity as a career path and help fill the skills gap in this area,” said Helen Barker, associate dean with the School of Cybersecurity and Information Technology and principal investigator of the CyberTEACH program. “Students are all engaging in digital media, so at the very least they need to understand cybersecurity tools and how to use them to protect themselves.”
UMGC’s GenCyber Teachers Camp helps teachers of all subjects integrate cybersecurity concepts into existing lesson plans. As technology evolves, so does the camp, introducing educators to foundational cybersecurity principles and emerging tools like virtual reality and ethical AI to make learning more engaging and relevant.
“The world is evolving at an exponential rate, and education must remain adaptable in order to stay relevant,” said Atticus Bedingfield, a social studies teacher at Lindale Middle School in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and a recent graduate of both the GenCyber and CyberTEACH programs. “If we want our students to graduate confident in their use of modern technology and cybersecurity concepts, they must be consistently exposed to them throughout their education.”
Building a Collaborative Network for Lasting Impact
Both programs foster a strong sense of community among educators. Participants collaborate, share lesson plans, and exchange ideas, returning to their schools energized and ready to inspire colleagues and students alike. This ripple effect is already visible, with past participants encouraging others to join and expand the reach of cybersecurity education.
For GenCyber graduate David Duba, a Social Studies and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Bowie High School, the positive effects of the camp have been wide-reaching.
"My students are more engaged, better prepared for life, and equipped with skills that will lead to better job opportunities,” he said. “When students in my classes do well and have fun, we see a ripple effect through the school community; other students want to enroll in CTE programs, parents are excited about what their kids are learning, and local businesses and organizations want to partner with us.”
By investing in teacher training and partnering with educators, UMGC is helping to build a more cyber-aware society, starting in the classroom and extending into the workforce. These efforts reflect the university’s broader mission, connecting learning to real-world impact and helping communities prepare for the challenges of a digital future.