Editor’s Note: Shaina Glass is a computer science educator based in Houston. She shares how funding from Google.org helped support an organization that has shaped her career.
In 2018, I was one of the few educators teaching computer science (CS) to students and teachers alike in my school district. I created extracurricular clubs, taught professional development workshops, and looked for ways to celebrate Computer Science Education Week. I was always looking for other like-minded educators with whom I could learn and grow. Everyone I spoke to pointed me to the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), an organization focused on supporting computer science educators who are often the only ones in their schools and districts.
Joining the local CSTA chapter in the greater Houston area has allowed me to share ideas and create a community with other computer science educators. Local chapters like mine have always been a big part of CSTA’s mission, especially in urban areas like Houston, where only 49% of schools have a certified computer science teacher. CSTA local chapters have grown by more than 25% since 2019, thanks in part to support from Google. In 2019, Google.org committed a $1 million grant to CSTA, and today they are investing $500,000 more to help to increase membership and provide opportunities for equity-focused professional development.
For me, CSTA has shaped my career in many ways. Before the pandemic, I received a scholarship to attend my first CSTA conference in Phoenix, Arizona. There I learned how to build an equitable computer science program in my school district and connected with a community that has sustained me while teaching during the pandemic. As a chapter leader, I have helped bring together more computer science educators in Houston and created a plan to work with regional and state computer science leaders to provide opportunities for more teachers to become certified computer science teachers.
CSTA teachers meet regularly, even virtually, to maintain community.
Most recently, I became a CSTA Equity Fellow for the 2020-21 school year, joining 14 others educators to bring equity-based computing education practices into their schools and communities. One of our initiatives includes creating a podcast focused on equity in computing. As part of my fellowship, I also serve on advisory boards for CS curricula and the development of a Coaching Toolkit from CSTAthat will help CS administrators and leaders evaluate and support teachers.
If you are a new or experienced CS or STEM educator looking for a network of educational leaders who can provide support, resources, and professional growth, consider become a member of CSTA. If you’re not near a local CSTA Chapter, join to learn how to start one! We hope to see you at the next virtual conference. We are stronger together.
This original article was published.
