Welcome to the second installment of “meet your new directors”. Today’s featured director is Myra Deister who is our newest 9-12 teacher representative.
Myra is an active teacher in Fullerton, CA and teaches mathematics as well as computer science at her high school. She is also involved in a local Java educators support group and a member of the assessment review panel for the California Standards Test in Mathematics.
What got you started in education?
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. In high school I worked as a tutor at the local elementary school and was a member of the Future Teacher’s Club.
Why computer science education?
I became interested in computers when the first Apple computers were sold commercially. I was intrigued as to how it could process the data. My husband wanted a quicker way for me to calculate grades and he found the computer and I found the software. I also decided to pursue a Master’s degree around that time. I discovered that the math Master’s program was not what I wanted to do, but computer science seemed interesting. I finished my Master’s degree in software engineering a few years later and changed school districts so I could teach computing classes.
For you personally which of the statements from CSTA’s purpose has the most significance?
“Build a strong community of computer science educators who share their knowledge.”
This has been very important for me because, as the only computer science teacher on my campus, I appreciate the support of other teachers. For example, this summer our support group decided that we needed to meet to review the new case study. We met for nearly eight hours during which time we were able to answer questions as a group and become more familiar with the case study. Also, during one of the breaks, a teacher and I were taking about Online Learning Management software. I mentioned to him that I was going to purchase server space to move my computer science curriculum there. He told me that our county was offering exactly what I was looking for at no cost. I looked into to it and it was exactly what I wanted. I appreciate the help and suggestions I receive from the teachers that I meet with on a regular basis.
Is there anything else you would like to mention to help the membership get to know you better?
I live in Anaheim Hills with my husband and son. My daughter lives in Costa Mesa. My children are my pride and joy. My son is a full time student at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) majoring in communications. When he completes his degree, my entire family will be CSUF graduates. My daughter is working as a marketing manager in Costa Mesa for an IT company and does mission work with her church. She is leaving in a few weeks on a mission trip to India.
We welcome Myra to the ranks of leadership and we know that the enthusiasm that she has brought to CS teachers in her local area will translate well into the work that she does as a member of the Board of Directors. If you have any questions or comments for Myra please leave them here. :)
Leigh Ann Sudol
CSTA Communications Chair