There is no doubt that High School Computer Science Teachers need a professional organization. We are often the lone voice in the wilderness, under appreciated by our departments, administrations, and districts. Yet, what have we done to improve our lot?
Typical high school computer science teachers are usually the only person at their schools who teach computer science. They may be in the Business Department, Math Department, or part of the Career and Technical Education department; but wherever they are, CS teachers are often alone. They may teach only one class of computer science and often have two or three other courses to prepare to teach. Their time is at a premium. Where do they turn if they have questions, experience difficulty with a topic, or need a new idea or activity to help their students better understand the material? There are resources, including the AP Computer Science Electronic Discussion Group, AP Central, International Baccalaureate Online Curriculum Centre, and our textbook web sites. However, these sources may not be time sensitive, or may require multiple attempts to find someone knowledgeable who can answer the question. High School Computer Science Teachers need answers now, not in two weeks, because in two weeks that topic has been left in the dust.
How can a professional organization help? Local chapters can provide personal contacts in the local area who can readily respond to questions. Periodic meetings can provide a forum to air difficulties or concerns, offer solutions, or find others who are experiencing the same problems. Chapters can also provide professional development on a topic if there is widespread need and an “expert” exists in the community.
What makes me think we do not want a local chapter? Let me give two examples to illustrate my point. Over the last six months, a two high school teachers and five college professors have worked together to create a local chapter in my area. We spent many hours planning for our first meeting, which was held at a local research center. We felt this would provide some professional development for Computer Science Teachers in current applications of computing and computer systems as well as providing the opportunity for local teachers to meet. We contacted over 50 high schools by email, often directly to the teacher listed as the computer science teacher. We emailed invitations 45 days in advance and again 10 days in advance. No one responded to either of the emails, and no new teacher attended. Our initial meeting consisted of the seven original members. My second example is from a different area. Again, a dedicated group met and laid plans to form a chapter. One of these members was transferred out of state. All efforts after this to hold a meeting to finalize the chapter plans and hold the first meeting have been unsuccessful. So I ask, are we really willing to do the work necessary to support a professional organization that will address our needs?
What can we do about this? Well, if you are reading this post, you already understand the benefits of CSTA and what it can offer. You want a local organization to provide support and professional development. Do your colleagues? What is the interest in your area? Start small. We have been holding a district wide forum for several years. Of the 10 teachers, four or five attend regularly; several others occasionally, and one or two never attend. We continue to meet to serve the needs of those who attend.
CSTA is an organization that exists to serve High School Computer Science Teachers. We can make CSTA the organization that will provide the service we need and want if we are willing to step up and shoulder some responsibility. Yes, High School Computer Science Teachers want a more localized service, but maybe more of us need to come forward to make this a reality.
John Harrison
CSTA Board Member