Hi. My name is Shawn Keys. I am a math and computer information technology teacher at John Hancock High School in Chicago, IL…a Chicago Public Schools neighborhood high school on the south side, near Midway airport. Most of my initial teaching was done overseas…EFL to college kids and employed adults. On repatriating, I veered ‘off-track’ and went to film school in Boston then worked for Avid technologies, a pioneer in digital filmmaking equipment and software. But, after moving back to the midwest (where I was born), I fell back on a never-used teaching license and got the above-mentioned job…where I’ve been for 8 years now.
My experience with ECS is limited. Before ECS became the new standard for CPS, I would teach from 0 to 4 Computer Information Technology courses each year…depending on need. CIT concentrated on skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Keyboarding) more than the theory behind computing. And definitely not programming! This summer, I tried out the ECS curriculum by teaching 2 weeks of a 5-week accelerated ECS course…5 days a week, 5 hours a day. It was interesting…for me and the students.
My name is Dan Brennan. I am going into my third year teaching, I am the Multimedia Production teacher at Andover High School in MA. I teach TV/Media production courses as well as Innovation Lab/Help desk. This will be my first time teaching ECS. My background is in Television Production, professional sports productions as well as freelance editing. In my spare time I love to fish, primarily fresh-water for large mouth bass.
Hi! My name is Kathy Gorski. I am an industrial escapee with about 20 years of classroom experience in western Massachusetts (currently at a private high school). I am an Analytical Chemist (PhD level) by training with some very old computer science experience (I think C++ was still B last time I programmed, and I not-so-fondly remember Z80’s) that I used in my chemical instrumentation career. I teach many different science classes now at the high school level, and have taught Academic Technology skills and Robotics at the Middle School level. I have been an advocate for more coding in all our classes and getting kids to understand the logic of programming and not just the language of it. I developed and run our school’s Tinkering Place that let’s kids make stuff, take stuff apart and explore 3D modeling, Arduino electronics, wearable technology, and LEGO robotics in addition to many unplugged activities.
I love puzzles and reading; and am passionate about education policy and climate change science. I believe in brain-based strategies, problem/project based learning, and have been using growth mindsets pedagogies since Hector was a pup.
I am looking forward to refreshing that which needs dusting, and learning lots of new tools and skills with other excited learners!
Hi! My name is Yemi, and I am currently a math teacher. I am excited to be teaching a computer science course this year and am looking forward to learning as much as I can. In my free time, I like to run and and watch TV. I also like to follow the news and discover new things.
My name is Becci Buenau. I have been teaching mathematics for 10 years at Junction City High School in Oregon. I have wanted to provide a computer science class at my school and I had the opportunity to offer ECS last year. I did not have a chance to attend any PD about the course, so I am looking forward to refining my teaching and improving my knowledge of the curriculum. In my free time, I like to sing, volunteer, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with my family.
My name is Phil Grandin, and have been teaching physics and astronomy in central Massachusetts for ten years now. Aside from some light programming in grad school, I am a relative novice to CS in general. About me, I’m a bibliophile and an unapologetic geek; I get disproportionately excited about space.
Hello, my name is Diane and I have taught high school computer science in Massachusetts for the past 14 years. I’ve taught courses ranging from Web Design and Multimedia to AP CS. I have also taught a few math and business courses and several online, distance learning, high school computer courses. I am looking forward to teaching the ECS curriculum next year. In a past life, I was a software engineer.
I enjoy many outdoor activities - hiking, kayaking, fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and new last year - stand up paddle boarding. I also enjoy reading and watching mysteries, and New England sport teams.
My name is Michael. This is going to be only my second year teaching at a high school in East LA. This will be the first computer science class offered at our school and I am very excited for this opportunities to grow the educational opportunities of our students!
My name is Joshua Gates. I’ve been teaching high school science now for about 10 years, either as a substitute teacher or as a full-time science teacher. Presently, I teach in the Boston Public School system. Most of the time, I teach General Ed. or Special Ed. Biology, but I’ve also been asked in the past to teach other courses such as Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and Health Issues. I enjoy hiking, camping, tennis and exploring astronomy in my free time. I’m anxious to learn ECS and apply my learning to my upcoming students. The world is ever-evolving regarding technology and I feel getting some expertise with ECS is a great way to attempt keeping up with this evolution.
Hello, my name is Eric Shewmaker. I have been teaching at Monticello High School in Monticello, NY (the Western Catskills/Hudson Valley), for the last 11 years. I live in Dutchess County, NY, which is a little drive to work every day. In the past I have taught all of the various different versions of ninth and tenth grade mathematics that our school offered: Math A, Math B (first part of a two-year sequence), Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Intermediate Algebra, Intermediate Geometry, Algebra 2/Trig (in a two-year course)). I have also taught a variety of computer science courses: Introduction to Computer Science (which will now follow the ECS curriculum), C++ and Java programming courses, Computer Gaming, and AP CSA (1 year experience). We are now start an “IT Academy” through our new STEAM pathways. It seems that every year I teach one or two courses which are new to me. In my spare time I love to read, listen to music (huge collection of many different types in different formats), gardening, hiking, and cooking. I look forward to this professional development to help me see how to implement different parts of the curriculum that I am unsure about. I also hope what I learn helps me in the recruiting and retention of more students in the computer science courses as my school is a heavily arts based school.
Hello,
My name is Marquita Jones and I am in my 5th year as a special educator at Phoenix Military Academy High School on the West Side of Chicago. I have worked for Chicago Public Schools for 8 years (2 years as an AVID tutor, 2 years as a special education teacher’s assistant, and 4 complete years as a special education teacher). In my spare time I enjoy playing basketball and spending time with my 2 year old son. I look forward to working with many of you and learning as much as I can about CS.
Hello my name is Tina. Next year will be my 18th year of teaching Math in Arkansas, classes ranging from 7th grade to Calculus. I am excited to have the opportunity to teach one section of computer science and mathematics. I enjoy everything outdoors, golf is at the top of my list currently. I am married with 3 wonderful children. I am excited about the upcoming PD!
Hello,
My name is Joe Bihn and I have been teaching more than 20 years but this is only my second year teaching computer science to my students. As others have stated, I saw a need to “sharpen my saw” and went back and earned another degree in technology. I love the challenge and can’t wait to learn from everyone. I have always enjoyed building things. Being new into the computer game, creating something new through programing has become my hobby.
Alex,
I also drifted away from science and more towards technology. This will be my second year teaching computer science to my students, after more than 20 years of teaching them science.
Hello! My name is Christina Smith and I will be starting my 11th year in the classroom come August 31st. I have taught various SPED courses, Business and Introduction to Technology in my 11 years. Last year was my first full year teaching Introduction to Technology. I love playing and watching sports, live music, DIY projects, reading, writing, photography and family vacations. I have two boys ages 9 and 12 that keep me young.
Hi, my name is Jeanine and I’ve been teaching for 16 years–11 years teaching business education courses and the past 5 teaching technology. I am the mother of adult twins who growing up had different interests and hobbies so once I became an empty nester, I had to figure out what to do with all the spare time. I enjoy reading, learning new things, movies, fun with friends and family and taking road trips. I’m looking forward to teaching ECS and learning new strategies to teach my students computer science.
Hello All!
My name is Helen Partlow and I have been teaching business courses at Central HS in Woodstock, Virginia, for longer than most of you have lived. In the last few years or so I have taught Design & Web Technologies, Econ & Personal Finance, Microsoft Office and Photojournalism. I last taught Computer Programming using Java about 5 years ago and am excited to see more of a push toward programming in our county.
My name is Justin Huang. I’m entering my 5th year of teaching in Chicago. I had been teaching math exclusively and this will be my first year teaching computer science. I don’t have the strongest computer science background, but am very excited by the opportunity to truly be a learner in my own classroom.
For fun, I like to play Ultimate Frisbee, cook with new recipes, or veg out with Netflix or Hulu shows.
My name is Tim Medeiros and I am transitioning back to the Falmouth High School (MA) to teach ECS, Intro to Programming, Web Design and App Development. Prior to this upcoming year, I have taught middle school History and K-4 instructional technology. I coach football and lacrosse and love to spend my free time running and reading. I’m looking forward to the challenge of new course work and providing students with skills that can help them achieve their goals in the future.
Hello, My name is Mike Fontaine. I have been teacher engineering and computer graphics class for the past 20 years. I am now working on teaching and bringing ECS and CS classes to Murdock High School in Winchendon MA. I’m excited about learning the new ECS class