In this increasingly connected digital age, it’s crucial that students develop an understanding of cybersecurity so that they’re prepared to succeed and be safe in the world.
During the edLeader Panel "Building Workforce-Ready Cybersecurity Skills in the Classroom," experts spoke about how schools can help students develop cybersecurity skills. On the panel were Ronald Adams, Instructional Leader, and Rashad Robinson, Tech Coordinator and Cyber Teacher, both from the Cyber Intelligence Academy at Park Crossing High School (AL), along with Jessica S. Tickle, Instructor of PLTW Engineering and Cybersecurity at the Center for Academic Achievement in the Shawnee Mission School District (KS), and Derek Babb, Cyber Security Lecturer at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Cybersecurity Education—More Than Just a Single Class
It’s important for students to develop cybersecurity skills early on because it prepares them for the workforce, opens up new career paths, and keeps students safe by giving them the skills to protect themselves online. Despite growing up in a digital world, most students have limited experience with cybersecurity and little knowledge regarding cyber careers. Good cybersecurity education programs are more than just a single class; they’re pathways students follow to develop skills and be workforce ready by graduation. They learn about digital citizenship and different careers in cyber fields, key fundamentals and defenses against online threats, practice real-world scenarios in hands-on labs, and connect with industry and college mentors.
Students learn best when given real-world, hands-on experiences that connect what they’re learning to real life and show why it matters, while also developing key critical-thinking skills and ethics. These experiences help students notice when something is suspicious in their online lives and know how to respond.
There is a cybersecurity skills shortage in the workforce, so students who’ve developed these foundational skills and have the hands-on experience a cybersecurity program provides are sought after. Additionally, the widespread use of AI has accelerated both threats and defenses, so students with AI experience have a job market advantage. Developing foundational skills, working in hands-on labs, and practicing with work-based learning experiences develop critical thinkers who are prepared for relevant certifications and real problems, ensuring students are industry ready.
Where Can Schools Start?
The panelists offered tips for schools getting started with cybersecurity education.
When building a cyber program, all stakeholders—leadership, teachers, counselors, families, etc.—should be aligned around a shared plan. Educators and leaders can emphasize that a cybersecurity pathway prepares students for financially secure careers that can provide for both themselves and their families while also building college readiness.
Cybersecurity education doesn’t require expensive labs. It starts with exposure, so build the school’s cybersecurity education team internally before developing labs. Every class provides an opportunity for students to be exposed to small aspects of cybersecurity, planting seeds of knowledge.
Building a good program means developing a roadmap to certification, starting as early as ninth grade. Introducing the fundamentals as early as possible gets students comfortable with cyber-related topics before adding more advanced concepts and skills. Additionally, industry professionals require certification testing, with most applicants being required to visit test centers. By bringing test centers to schools, it removes transportation barriers and reduces anxiety, giving students equitable opportunities to earn relevant certifications.
Building a cyber program doesn’t have to start from scratch, however; there are plenty of free curricula and guided labs available online, and teachers can learn alongside students. Additionally, many educational groups and industry partners are happy to work with schools to develop these programs.
The goal of a cyber program is getting students ready for life after graduation. Authentic, community-built programs create a system in which students are prepared for college, careers, military service, and community leadership. Cybersecurity is essential to the 21st century, and student readiness starts with early exposure.
Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Building Workforce-Ready Cybersecurity Skills in the Classroom, sponsored by Project Lead The Way.
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Article by Jon Scanlon, based on this edLeader Panel
