CS Blog

In the first post, we looked at why differentiation matters in computer science. Students come into our classrooms with different backgrounds, confidence levels, reading skills, problem-solving habits, and experiences with technology. The goal is not to lower the bar. The goal is to help more students reach it. One place to start is with content. Content is what students use to access the learning. In a computer science classroom, that might include notes, directions, code ex

Computer science classrooms are rarely level playing fields. In the same room, you may have a student who has been coding for years sitting next to a student who has never written a single line of code. One student may understand the logic of an if statement but struggle to write the syntax correctly. Another student may get a program to run but have no idea how to explain what the code actually does. That is what makes teaching computer science both exciting and challenging.

If you are not yet an expert in computer science, the first step is to start learning. Whether your course focuses on programming, artificial intelligence, networking, data, cybersecurity, or another topic, make time to build your own understanding. You do not need to know everything before school starts, but you do need to be willing to learn, practice, and stay a step ahead. Work through lessons yourself, learn the key vocabulary, and become familiar with the tools and plat

Before school starts, think through the routines, expectations, and systems that will help your computer science classroom run smoothly. In a CS classroom, devices can become distractions quickly, students often work at different speeds, and many will need help at different times. Strong classroom management is not just about controlling behavior. It is about creating a classroom that is structured, predictable, and productive. One of the most important parts of classroom man

Before school starts, make sure you understand how grading works at your school and how you want it to function in your classroom. Grading can become stressful quickly if expectations are unclear or if your policies do not align with school requirements. A first-year teacher does not need a perfect system, but they do need one that is clear, consistent, and manageable. Start by learning any department or school-wide grading expectations. This includes required grade categorie

Before school starts, take time to learn the learning management system your school uses. Your LMS is more than just a place to post assignments. It helps shape how students access materials, follow directions, submit work, and stay organized in your class. If it is confusing or inconsistent, students will come to you with concerns. As a first-year teacher, you do not need to master every feature right away. Focus on the parts that matter most for daily instruction. Learn how

A strong curriculum is one of the biggest keys to success for a first-year computer science teacher. If you are new to CS, avoid the temptation to create everything from scratch. Instead, look for a curriculum that provides structure, quality lessons, and strong teacher support. The best resources are rooted in sound instructional practices and include materials that help you plan, teach, and assess with confidence. When reviewing curriculum options, look for resources that i

Before you start planning lessons, make sure you fully understand the course you’re teaching. This means more than just knowing the course title and description. You need to know what the class is, who takes it, how it fits into the school’s program, and whether there are any expectations attached to teaching it. Search out the state standards for the course if they exist. If they do not, visit the Computer Science Teachers Association’s website to find some guidance. Early

Being asked to teach something you have little to no experience in can be a scary and overwhelming experience. To take it a step further, being asked to teach something that very few people have taught, is terrifying. But this is what many of us are being asked to do. I've taught CS in middle and high school classrooms for 14 years, 13 of those in a small district where I was the only "computer" teacher. For years, the "computer teacher" taught keyboarding and digital applica