My prior experiences as a Computer Science Teacher in Chicago Public Schools and positions held at the Latin School of Chicago have ensured that I have the skills to succeed. It would be an incredible opportunity to teach students the skills necessary to be responsible digital citizens and provide the fundamental building blocks to pursue a future in technology.

 

  As a K-8 Computer Science Teacher in Chicago Public Schools, I worked tirelessly to provide students with the technological skills and resources necessary to succeed in today's world. I developed a K-8 Computer Science and digital citizenship curriculum from the ground up, inspiring students to pursue a future in technology. Without a computer science budget, I needed to be resourceful in my curriculum choices. I drew inspiration from Common Sense digital citizenship resources, Code.org's HTML and Java programming, OzoBots robotics, TinkerCAD 3D printing software, and programming through MIT's Scratch software for my curriculum. I focused my curriculum unit themes around digital citizenship, robotics, engineering, programming, and making. 

 

  The Latin School of Chicago provided unique opportunities to explore educational resources. Having access to a full-scale maker space and various educational technologies showed new ways of teaching and learning. Working with the Understanding by Design framework, I have used Illinois state standards and Teaching Tolerance standards to develop lessons that are both engaging and relatable to my students. I establish a four-unit structure, including identity, Chicago history, neighborhood study, and neighborhood development. Each unit was built onto the next, with the culminating unit being the Neighborhood Development Project. In this project, students were responsible for collaboratively planning, building, and reflecting on a neighborhood they constructed collaboratively. This project-based learning unit also included cross-curricular components that involved third grade Common Core standards in math and ISTE standards in computer science.   

 

  In my experience, students bring curiosity, excitement, and a positive unpredictability to every lesson that keeps you on your toes. Providing students educational opportunities to support and encourage their growth is why I teach.