As a career change, the journey from being a Network Engineer to a Computer Science teacher was driven by my passion for both technology and teaching. After deciding to return to the workforce after enjoying my time as a stay-at-home mom, I wanted to combine my love for technology with the desire to educate and inspire the next generation. I saw teaching as an opportunity to fulfill this desire. 

My first opportunity as an educator came as a middle school Computer Science teacher. Honestly, Middle School was not my first teaching choice (if you know you know);  I originally was looking to land a High School Tech position. Nevertheless, I appreciated the offer and held a positive outlook regarding my new position. I aimed to make learning not only educational but also enjoyable. I incorporated innovative approaches, utilizing platforms like Scratch and the Amazon Future Engineer program as part of the curriculum. By infusing creativity and unplugged activities into the lessons, students were engaged and motivated to explore various aspects of Computer Science. After 5 years of fun with middle schoolers, I wanted to branch out and embrace a fresh challenge at the high school level. 

Currently serving as a Computer Science teacher in high school, I cover a variety of courses from Introductory Computer Programming to AP Computer Science. The exposure to middle school teaching methodologies has equipped me with the tools to make even the most advanced concepts relatable and engaging for high school students. One unique aspect of my teaching strategy was the integration of songs to convey complex Computer Science concepts. While I may not play those same songs in my high school classes, I still use fun and memorable activities to deconstruct challenging topics and draw meaningful connections, making learning both accessible and enjoyable. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a computer science teacher has always been witnessing the transformative journey of students who entered my classroom with apprehension but emerged as confident coders and problem-solvers by the end of the year. 

Since becoming an educator, I have dedicated myself to fostering a love for technology among young minds, particularly encouraging girls to explore the vast possibilities within the realm of Computer Science. Serving as the Girls Who Code sponsor in middle school and a VEX co-sponsor in high school has allowed me to witness the power of representation and mentorship on the next generation of tech leaders. 

In the future, my hopes for Computer Science would be to integrate a broader spectrum of Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. I am convinced that incorporating these subjects into the curriculum not only readies students for the dynamic job market but also enables them to discover the interconnectedness among these fields.