Course Considerations

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 on, work with your curriculum director, guidance staff, and principal to get answers to the most important questions. They can help clarify course requirements, student placement, graduation credit details, pacing expectations, licensure concerns, and any training or professional development connected to the course. These conversations can also help you understand whether the class is required or elective, what kind of students typically enroll, and whether there are district expectations for curriculum or platforms. 

This step is the single-most important because too often teachers often make assumptions too quickly. Not all computer science courses are the same, and not all expectations are obvious at first. Getting clarity early helps prevent confusion and gives you a better foundation for planning and expectations.

Questions to Answer

1. What course/s am I actually teaching?

2. Is this a semester or year-long course?

3. Who typically takes these courses?

4. Is there any required training before I teach them?

5. Are there licensure, certification, or endorsement issues I should know about?

6. Is there professional development I should complete?

7. Does this course fulfill a graduation requirement, elective credit, or pathway expectation?

8. Are there district expectations for curriculum, pacing, or platforms?

9. Are there materials from the previous teacher?

10. What are the state standards for this course?

There is a good chance not every question will be answered right away, and that is okay. Be patient, but persistent, in getting the information you need, especially when it comes to licensure, certifications, training, and professional development. These items affect your time, responsibilities, and sometimes your finances, so it is important to address them early. The last thing you want is to make plans for your summer and then find out you are expected to attend a two-week training three hours away.

Many of the answers to these questions are unique to you and your situation. Lean on your principal and guidance counselor through the process, they should be more than happy to help you.

If you need anything, feel free to reach out at brett@csonadime.com

~ Brett