How did you get into Computer Science?

When I was teaching Game Design in Virginia, I was informed that a semester of Cybersecurity was required as part of the 2-year curriculum. As I taught Game Design, I became increasingly aware of the significant demand for Computer Science education. A few years later, when I moved to Maryland to teach Middle School pre-engineering, I was again asked to teach a cybersecurity class due to its growing popularity. Eventually, I transitioned to teaching exclusively cybersecurity classes at the middle school level, driven by high demand from students, parents, and career interests.  

What are some successes and challenges you’ve experienced in your work with CS?

One of the main challenges I’ve faced in teaching Computer Science education at the middle school level is the lack of rigorous software and learning resources. Many curricular creators and instructors believe that middle school students can't handle advanced Cybersecurity content, leading to watered-down material. However, drawing from my experience teaching high school students who passed industry certifications, I found that many came in with minimal Cybersecurity knowledge and had to learn from scratch.

To address this, I applied the same rigorous approach I used with high school students to my middle school classes, emphasizing academic language and real-world connections. As a result, my students demonstrated significant academic growth, as evidenced by their performance on end-of-course exams. I believe that preparing middle school students with challenging content is essential for equipping them with the skills needed for stackable credential opportunities.

What do you find compelling about CS?

What I find compelling about Computer Science (CS) is its versatility in problem-solving and its broad applicability across various fields. The ability to tackle a wide range of problems through diverse approaches is fascinating. Additionally, Computer Science emphasizes computational thinking, which is a valuable skill in virtually any career area, enhancing problem-solving and decision-making processes.
In my own work, this versatility is particularly engaging. I help people navigate complex problems, provide insights, and facilitate understanding across numerous domains. This aligns with CS’s core principle of applying computational thinking to diverse challenges, making my role both impactful and dynamic.

What are you hoping for/looking forward to in the upcoming school year?

In the upcoming school year, I’m most intrigued by the implementation of vertical alignment within the curriculum and its potential advantages and challenges. I’m also hopeful that my new high school position will allow for building strong communication and collaboration with middle school teachers, particularly those in our feeder pathway.  

Do you have any advice or resources to share?

For those teaching or learning Computer Science, I have a few suggestions:

• Join Professional Groups: Engage with communities or groups that facilitate teacher communication and idea sharing. These networks can provide valuable support and inspiration.

• Incorporate Kinesthetic Learning: Explore activities that make CS more hands-on and interactive. This helps students connect with the material beyond screen-based learning and can make the subject more engaging.

• Use Case Studies: Conduct regular case study discussions or debates on real-world issues. This not only fosters student interest but also encourages critical thinking and increases classroom discourse.