Listen and learn: Snapshot Snapshots are a pairing of two 20 minute presentations followed by a 5 minute Q & A.
This is presentation 2 of 2, scroll down to see more details.
Other presentations in this group:
It is no secret that there is a national shortage of Computer Science teachers. In addition, many core content teachers are intimidated by the thought of teaching Computer Science, thinking that they have to know programming languages and the ins and outs of a computer. However, this former English teacher and literacy and technology coach made the switch from teaching something I could do with my hands tied behind my back to something I knew almost nothing about. I have always had an interest in technology, but buying cool gadgets and finding innovative ways to use EdTech is where my knowledge ended. I was offered this crazy opportunity, accepted, and came to my new role with absolutely no resources and no one to support me or answer any questions. Not only did I make a huge switch in content, I made that switch with nothing but my own determination.
I knew in order to succeed, I had to get out there and do the work to find a supportive community and curriculum that would help me survive this first year. I found my community in Code.org, AdvanceKY, Cyber.org, etc. as well as groups on social media. I searched everywhere for content and curriculum to help me design and plan successful classes.
I also knew that I was a great teacher. I had all the pedagogy tools collected from 16 years in education in my toolbox. I figured I could at least teach my heart out, and the content would come.
Despite all the challenges before me, I felt compelled to accept this position for the benefit of our students and community. Before I came, the teacher was white, male, and worked in the industry before teaching. With that being said, most of the students (insert demographics here when reports are available) in the program were white and male. We had a big problem recruiting students who are female and/or students of color. One of my biggest goals was to increase the diversity of the program for next year and beyond. This year, our students now consist of (insert new scheduling data for the 23-24 school year after schools schedule)!
This presentation will highlight the skills that all teachers already have and show them that those skills can be applied to computer science. Good pedagogy is applicable to all content areas, and content knowledge grows with time and experience. The presentation will also highlight the importance of female teachers and teachers of color to make the switch (or start their career) to computer science. The prospective presentation will be presented via Nearpod and is outlined here.
5 Minutes - I will introduce myself, and tell the brief story that brought me to teaching computer science after 16 years of teaching English, emphasizing my “why”, which includes my gender.
10 Minutes - Background information pertaining to the need for computer science education and the effect having female and/or teachers of color has on computer science classes and overall programs.
5 Minutes - (using an online collaborative board) Brainstorming best practices for any content area and the needs of new CS teachers.
15 Minutes - I will highlight pedagogical skills that teachers already have and that are applicable to any content area, emphasizing their ability to transfer from one content area to another.
10 Minutes - Review of resources and curriculum models for computer science courses. Specifically focusing on AP Computer Science Principles, Cybersecurity, Hardware and Software Maintenance, Networking, and Game Design and Development.
5 Minutes - I will highlight the successes and impact I’ve made over the last year. The positive outcomes my students and I have experienced throughout the year.
5 Minutes - Restate the importance of computer science education and the need for diverse computer science teachers and students.
5 Minutes - Question and Answer
Some, if not all, of these resources will be referenced throughout the presentation.
The Need for Computer Science
https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/the-need-for-computer-science
The Need for Computer Science Education
https://sites.uci.edu/cs1c/importance-of-computer-science-education/
What Do We Know About the Expansion of K-12 Computer Science Education?
https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-do-we-know-about-the-expansion-of-k-12-computer-science-education/
My Advice for New Computer Science Teachers
https://csteachers.org/Stories/my-advice-for-new-computer-science-teachers
Just in Time Tips for Computer Science Teachers
https://beta.nsf.gov/news/just-time-tips-computer-science-teachers-when-they-need-it
Filling the Pipeline for Computer Science Teachers
https://www.science.org/content/article/filling-pipeline-computer-science-teachers
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