FIRST Tech Challenge Coach Professional Development (July 30-Aug 1, 2026)

ATTENTION: Complete this  REGISTRATION prior to enrolling in this course.

Intended Audience: Educators who will be coaching a FIRST Tech Challenge Team (grades 6-12)

Course Description: The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Coach Professional Development (PD) is a comprehensive, mentor-focused, and hands-on educational workshop designed to prepare Iowa educators to implement a robotics team, either as an in-school curriculum or as an after-school extra-curricular activity. The PD plan includes a structured three-day workshop which is designed to meet the needs of Iowa’s educators who will be serving in the role of “coach” for a participating FTC team. The training is designed to build foundational knowledge, technical skills, and implementation strategies aligned with the goals of FIRST and FTC.

Learning Goals:

1. Equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively mentor and coach FTC teams.
2. Provide hands-on experience through a mini-season simulation, covering elements such as build season, tournaments, judges' interviews, and alliance selection.
3. Communicate the expectations and guidelines set by the Iowa leadership for effective coaching and mentoring.
4. Broaden the perspectives of coaches, encouraging innovative thinking in their coaching and mentoring strategies.
5. Foster connections among coaches and mentors for ongoing support and collaboration in FTC-related activities.

Course Requirements: Complete the registration process for a FIRST account (firstinspires.org); Review and approve the FIRST Acknowledgement Forms; and complete the FIRST Youth Protection Policy.

Course Materials: Most of the course materials will be made available in-person (during the PD). Participants will need to bring a laptop, their school’s Tax-Exempt Certificate, breakfast and lunch and safety glasses and closed-toe/closed-heeled shoes.