BCPS teachers to compete in hands-on “Battle of the Bots” robotics challenge on Thursday, June 18

Broward County, Florida – Dozens of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) teachers stepped back into the classroom this summer, but this time they were not leading lessons or grading assignments. Instead, they became students again, learning hands-on robotics skills as part of a professional development program designed to bring high-tech learning into classrooms across the district.

The program, which focuses on robotics education, gave teachers practical experience in designing, building, and programming robots. After weeks of training, their new skills will be put to the test in a friendly but competitive showcase known as the “Battle of the Bots,” taking place on Thursday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to noon at Pines Collegiate Academy 6–12 in Pembroke Pines.

The event will bring together educators who are now ready to compete against each other using robots they created themselves. While the atmosphere is expected to be light and collaborative, the challenge reflects the same engineering and coding principles students will soon be learning in BCPS classrooms.

Teachers involved in the program say the experience has been both demanding and eye-opening. They have had to think differently about problem-solving, teamwork, and technical design—skills they will carry directly into their teaching when the new school year begins.

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The initiative is part of BCPS’s broader effort to strengthen STEM education across the district. Robotics, drones, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing are among the growing list of technologies being introduced into classrooms as part of a long-term push to prepare students for future careers in science and technology fields.

BCPS officials say teacher training plays a key role in that mission. Through programs led by the Office of Academics, STEM + Computer Science Programs, educators receive ongoing support and resources that allow them to stay current with rapidly evolving technologies.

The goal is not only to expose students to advanced tools, but to ensure teachers feel confident using them in meaningful ways. By learning through direct experience, educators can translate complex technical concepts into lessons that are more engaging and easier for students to understand.

The robotics competition itself is expected to be a highlight of the summer training session. Teachers will bring their programmed robots to the event, where they will face off in a series of friendly challenges that test movement, precision, and programming logic. The setup is designed to mirror real classroom activities, giving educators a preview of how similar challenges could look for students in the upcoming school year.

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BCPS continues to position itself as a district focused on innovation, especially in STEM education. Programs like this one are part of a larger strategy to prepare students not just for academic success, but for future careers in technology-driven industries.

While the competition will last only an hour, the impact is expected to reach far beyond the event itself. Teachers will return to their schools carrying new ideas, practical experience, and hands-on activities that can be adapted for students at different grade levels.

As the final preparations come together for Thursday’s “Battle of the Bots,” anticipation is building among participants. What began as a summer training course has evolved into a creative showcase of learning, teamwork, and innovation—one that reflects how education in BCPS continues to shift toward more interactive, technology-driven experiences.