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 and appreciating the extraordinary efforts of Paige in their role as K-5 Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee.
What inspired you to volunteer your time with CSTA? How has this experience impacted you?
I am very passionate about bringing computer science to elementary students. Meeting other teachers who teach what I teach has made me realize I am not an imposter. I feel more confident in what I can share with others and want to share all of my experiences with new and seasoned teachers.
How long have you been involved with CSTA, and what motivated you to join?
I joined CSTA seven years ago. I started with a basic membership and renewed as a plus member. I attended the new member orientation and saw all the benefits of CSTA and how many professional learning events were available.
Can you share any memorable experiences or highlights from your involvement with CSTA?
I especially enjoy my time on the CSTA conference committee. For the past two years, I have been a reviewer and on the elementary subcommittee. I like reading the proposals and helping shape the conference session offerings.
I also participated in the CSK8 monthly chats and enjoyed the collaborative discussions.
How has CSTA impacted your teaching career and professional development?
The friends I have made are priceless. There are other CS teachers, whether in my K-5 grade band or not, that I now call true friends from all over the world. CSTA has made me a better teacher. I am no longer alone in my journey. As CSTA reminds us, we are part of the world’s largest CS department.
In what ways do you see CSTA shaping the future of computer science education?
Many states, including my state of New Jersey, require all K-12 students to take a course in computer science. I believe this will expand over the coming years. CSTA will ensure that teachers are ready and able to provide the education their students need and deserve.
CSTA could further partner with corporations to find out what skills they want their employees to have. We can provide teachers with the ability to ensure those skills are taught in the classroom.
Are there any specific initiatives or projects within CSTA that you’ve been particularly passionate about?
I was the CSTANJ secretary and am now the Vice President of CSTANJ. This is my third year as the chairperson of our CSPDWeek. I am passionate about bringing quality professional learning to all teachers and making sure every teacher, no matter what subject they teach realizes they have the ability to bring CS to their students.
What does the future of CSTA look like?
CSTA will provide updated standards that will include artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. States will adopt those standards (or include modified versions of those standards). CSTA needs to be at the forefront of ever-changing technology and provide teachers with training to keep up.
We could create a preservice chapter on college campuses, or one chapter for preservice teachers to meet virtually.