School District Representative

As an Equity Fellow, I have been learning more about CSTA. With encouragement from one of my fellow members who is a current board member, I decided to apply for this opportunity. Based on my professional experiences of seeing how some of my educator colleagues have left the profession because of leaders who don’t understand the importance of leadership, I would love to create more opportunities for school leaders to learn and grow so that our innovative teachers are able to continue thriving.

I have held many leadership positions throughout my educational career. As a school leader, I have experiences in human resources, budget, curriculum and related school operations. I am happy to be a resource for fellow school leaders. I have also worked as a technology trainer for a district and implemented a tech plan. I believe that I have the necessary leadership skills to serve the organization well. I also worked for a nonprofit organization prior to becoming a teacher. As such, I am familiar with grant writing and grant administration.

I believe that equity work is systems work. I also believe that structure dictates behaviors, and accumulation of all behaviors creates culture. As such, I am always looking at the structure to see how I as leader can facilitate creating an equitable and sustainable structure that creates lasting impacts. I also pride myself of being a learner who works to stay humble and hungry for knowledge so that I can set a good example for others.

I have been a part of the 2023-24 Equity Fellow Program to learn more about what CSTA has been doing. I have written two articles on the impact of Artificial Intelligence, and presented why leadership matters in equitable computer science education. I plan to continue writing and presenting on this topic.

I aspire to serve on the CSTA Board to drive inclusivity and innovation in CS education. I aim to ensure equitable access to quality CS education for all students, support and elevate the CS teaching profession, and foster curriculum innovation that prepares students for the digital age. These efforts align with CSTA’s mission of empowering K-12 CS teachers and its commitment to equity, empowerment, community, and excellence. I aim to expand educational access, enhance teacher support, and advocate for policies that bolster CS education. My work will focus on aligning with CSTA’s strategic priorities to build a diverse, technologically proficient future generation, reflecting CSTA’s core values and strategic vision for transformative education in a rapidly evolving digital world.

My leadership skills, honed through years of managing diverse teams in tech and education sectors, equip me to contribute significantly to CSTA and its Board. My experience fostering collaborative environments and driving innovation will help promote CSTA’s mission of advancing CS education. I excel in strategic planning, having led initiatives that bridge the gap between technology and educational needs, ensuring resources are accessible and relevant. My commitment to inclusivity and equity, developed through implementing diverse and inclusive practices in the workplace, aligns with CSTA’s values. I have a track record of building partnerships across sectors and enhancing the impact of educational programs. These experiences have sharpened my ability to navigate challenges, inspire teamwork, and lead with vision and empathy. I am eager to leverage these skills to support CSTA’s strategic priorities, advocating for quality CS education for all students and empowering educators worldwide.

As part of the NSF SUCCESS RPP team, I contribute a multifaceted perspective shaped by my experiences in education, technology, and community engagement, all centered around fostering equitable access to computer science education. My dedication to equity is evident in our initiative to increase computer science awareness and enrollment among middle school students in West Virginia, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. By advocating for computer science education in middle schools, we enable early exposure to the field, allowing students to make informed decisions about pursuing further studies in high school. This approach is crucial in regions where computer science is often overlooked, yet it holds significant potential for future careers. Our team’s efforts focus on demystifying computer science and integrating it into the broader educational narrative, ensuring it is considered relevant and essential across various career paths.

I belong to a local chapter in West Virginia, engage in online professional development offerings, and encourage teachers to become members and be active participants in education research and decision-making.