A Warm Welcome from Your Partner in CS Education!
Greetings, I am honored to extend a warm welcome as the new Director of the Maryland Center for Computing Education. I have been an educator for over eighteen years. I have extensive experience in computer science education. When I first started teaching computer science courses in 2005 at the secondary level, it was not as popular as it is today with far fewer resources. I used the knowledge that I had and the resources that I could find to build a robust computer science curriculum. Since then, I have taught and supervised a variety of courses in Information Technology and Computer Science including advanced classes such as AP Computer Science A. I organized training and support for local educators to prepare them to teach courses in Information Technology and Computer Science. I have experience in writing and reviewing standards for computer science. I served on the Maryland State Computer Science Standards Committee and Standards Review Committee. I currently serve on the national committee for Reimagining CS Pathways: High School and Beyond, which strives to define computer science in the modern world of emerging technologies and develop updated national standards. I provided and supported professional development at the state and national level; I served on the Maryland Computing Education Steering Committee and the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Professional Development Committee. I am a facilitator for the CSTA Inquiry Group, which focuses on diversity, inclusivity, and culturally responsive teaching in computer science education. I am incredibly excited to be working alongside such a dedicated and passionate group of educators like yourselves. Computer science education is crucial in equipping our students with the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving digital world. I am deeply committed to supporting and empowering each of you as you foster the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. I look forward to collaborating with you in a number of exciting ways, including:
Creating opportunities for professional development: We will strive to offer workshops, training sessions, and conferences focused on the latest trends and methodologies in computer science education.
Facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing: We will explore avenues to connect you with your fellow colleagues, fostering an environment where best practices can be shared and refined.
Providing resources and support: We are committed to providing you with the necessary resources, such as curriculum materials, technology tools, and professional development, to create engaging and effective learning experiences for your students.
I believe in the power of collaboration to create a future where every student is equipped with the skills they need to thrive. In the coming weeks and months, I will work closely with stakeholders to establish open communication channels and explore pathways to best support you, our dedicated educators. Together, let’s continue to ignite the spark of innovation and empower our students to become the next generation of tech pioneers.
Sincerely,
Quiana Bannerman
Qbannerman@usmd.edu
