How did you get into CS?

I have always been tech savvy, but about 10 years ago, a principal encouraged me to take the training for the "Intro to Computer Science" Course from PLTW that was new at the time, for middle school students.  Since then, I have been slowly taking other trainings and my schedule at school has moved from being Math, Science and 1 or 2 computer science classes, to all STEM/ Engineering classes, and mine usually focus on coding, electronics, utilizing computers for data collection and analyzing data, along with engineering and creative uses, like 3D Design and 3D printing.

What are some successes and challenges that you've had along the way?

My classes are usually requested by students because they are different from the average class offered at our school. In my classes, they can create apps on a tablet, program a micro:bit, or create their designs in 3D modeling software.  However, it becomes challenging because, at a middle school level, students are not always good at thinking logically, which is an important skill in computer science and some are just not interested in a computer beyond playing games and what they HAVE TO do for their assignments.

I'm most proud of the fact that I work for an organization that is committed to making sure that all students have access to computer science education supported by high-quality professional learning. It's not just pushing out products and hoping that teachers are able to pick it up; there’s a whole system and network of people who are dedicated to making sure that teachers can actually implement it in their classrooms. I am proud of my network of facilitators and the work that they do every day to support teachers out in the field.

What do you find compelling about computer science?

I love that it is always changing, therefore it is never boring.  I also love that it is not just computers for the sake of computers anymore.  They can be creative, allow us to do things that would take forever in a paper-pencil world, but they can also be an equalizer by providing students with experiences and opportunities they may have never had otherwise. Some students will never be able to travel to different places around the world, but thanks to current technology, they have access to remote areas, international experts and other resources, 'from their couch', so to speak.

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

My district has given me some freedom to come up with a computer science class that doesn't just teach coding, but to address multiple aspects of computer science, like cyber security, digital citizenship and other objectives from the CSTA Standards that weren't being addressed before.  I am looking forward to exposing students to what is out there.

Any advice?

Find a network of people that can support you.  Teaching computer science can be a little lonely because, depending on your position, there are not many of us within a district.  I usually have to connect to the High School teachers, because there are only a few middle school technology teachers in our area. Getting connected to organizations like CSTA and MCCE can help with that; looking into Project STEM and Amazon Future Engineers has been extremely helpful to me in gaining new resources and connections. Also, make sure to look into grants and other sources of funding.  Some computer science programs are not cheap to start or maintain, and making sure you have multiple avenues of financial support is beneficial. The support is out there because there are professional people in the 'real-world' who know just how important it will be that students are prepared for the digital world, and want to support us.