Today in the United States is one of our national holidays, Thanksgiving. As part of my family’s tradition, we each share what we are thankful for. As I have been reflecting on all the wonderful blessings in my life, one that doesn’t get said often enough is my thankfulness for our members, and especially those who are our tireless volunteers.
Our members spend their days and nights helping educate K-12 students around the world in the joys of computer science. Being an educator is not a 9-5 job, it is comprised of long hours teaching, preparing lessons, parent/teacher meetings, planning meetings with administrators and co-workers, obtaining professional development, and reflecting on lessons learned inside and outside of the classroom. Educators are amazingly dedicated people, who put their hearts into sharing the subjects they love with today’s youth. There are no words of thanks passionate enough to say how deeply I appreciate what each and every one of you contributes to education and learning. You are incredible!
Those educators who volunteer for the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) deserve even more of my thanks. You are unflagging in your dedication to the organization, the work we do, and to make sure that each and every student who wants to learn about computer science is given the chance. You spend hundreds of hours each year making CSTA a vibrant, relevant organization. You help bring new resources and opportunities to all our members around the globe. All of this is on top of your day jobs, daily lives, and the other demands on your time. I, for one, know that without you, CSTA would not be the success it is today. So, from the bottom of my heart, my thanks to each of you for dedicating your time, enthusiasm, and passion to CSTA, for without you, there would be no CSTA.
If you celebrate Thanksgiving, or even if you don’t, I hope you too get the chance to reflect on the blessings in your life and know that the CSTA staff is deeply grateful to have you not only in the organization, but also educating our youth.
Gratefully yours,
Lissa Clayborn
Acting Executive Director
Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)
