Welcome to the CSTA Volunteer Spotlight series, where we celebrate the incredible individuals who dedicate their time and passion to making a difference in the CSTA community. Join us in recognizing the extraordinary work of Sandra as an Equity Fellow alum and Conference Committee member.
What inspired you to volunteer your time with CSTA? How has this experience impacted you?
After doing my CSTA Equity Fellowship I stayed and volunteered. CSTA has always welcomed me and made me feel appreciated as a volunteer. The help I have gained from more experienced volunteers and members has made it so worth every minute.
How long have you been involved with CSTA, and what motivated you to join?
I started my journey with CSTA in 2021. I applied to be a CSTA equity fellow and honestly thought it was a long shot but discovering CSTA existed at all was such a find that the fellowship was just a bonus.
Can you share any memorable experiences or highlights from your involvement with CSTA?
Conferences in Chicago, Las Vegas and even virtual. All the times I have presented and/or represented the organization. The connections I have made with other fellow, members and vendors has made the gatherings so much more rich.
How has CSTA impacted your teaching career and professional development?
CSTA has given me so many opportunities to develop professionally through the free professional development available on the website. As well as sessions at all the different conferences and professional development events like Equity in Action to podcasts. It’s just been an amazing amount of information that I’ve been able to bring back to my classroom
In what ways do you see CSTA shaping the future of computer science education?
I believe that CSTA will continue to shape computer science through opportunities. Opportunities to speak, and be heard as a group instead of an individual department of one in a small rural school. CSTA also is working on new standards for CS that will help to establish class objectives and goals moving forward. CSTA is working hard to create a K-12 CS pathway. Something that I think is very needed.
Are there any specific initiatives or projects within CSTA that you’ve been particularly passionate about?
I am of course very passionate about the equity fellowship especially in today’s climate, I think it’s very important for us to not forget about the marginalized underserved population that tends to exist in CS. Since leaving the equity fellowship, might I have continued to work with equity fellows through the equity council.
What does the future of CSTA look like?
It looks like a self-sustaining non-profit organization that continues to help educators and allies to make education and computer science better and available to all want to be involved. It is also a place that gives confidence and resources to new and upcoming computer science teachers to continue to bring computer science to the forefront