Experience at Colorado Academy 2016 - 2021
When I started at Colorado Academy (CA) in 2016, the role of Computer Science and Innovation Teacher and Technology Specialist allowed me to do both aspects of education that I enjoy - teaching students and teachers. Working with veteran computer science teacher Kimberly Jans and librarian Allie Bronston, I developed 6th and 7th grade classes for students to learn fundamentals of computational and design thinking, supported teachers through an unprecedented shift in education, and grew as a maker.
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In addition to classes sewing circuits with 6th graders and coding robot pets with 7th graders, I welcomed students to the Makerspace during study hall to pursue their own projects. It is a lot of fun helping students develop their own ideas through prototyping and iteration. Coaching FIRST Lego League teams and Future City teams also provided opportunities to develop students’ design and coding skills in creative ways. In 2021, our Future City on the Moon won the
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Colorado Regional competition.
I developed as a maker while at CA in many ways. The CA Computer Science Festival always featured several making activities in the Makerspace. I led a toy hacking interim in which students took apart and re-engineered electronic toys. I designed solutions to store supplies and make tools easily accessible and posted about them on Instructables for others to implement. I also represented CA at Maker Faire Denver in 2017 and at WE Local Denver’s Welcome Night in 2019. These were great opportunities to engage a wider community with making circuits.
Although not strictly in my job description, I contributed to the design of three remodeling projects at CA. First, the transition of a traditional computer lab into the Raether Makerspace and my classroom with 3D printers, Epilog Laser, desktop CNC machine, hand tools and tons of materials. Second, the combination of office and storage spaces in the library into a bright and usable classroom. Finally, I worked with the MS science teachers to update their labs improving flexibility and storage space. These projects were a fun way to implement the design process and learn more about the needs of the CA community.
Throughout my time at CA, I supported teachers integrating technology and design thinking into their classroom practices. Collaborating with CA’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to organize the high school PlatFORUM events was a highlight, but you could find my spreadsheets everywhere from music lesson sign up to 8th grade continuation speeches. Coaching the transition from in person learning to online learning in the Spring of 2020 was exhausting but very rewarding. As was solving everyday “my imovies are gone” types of problems through Zendesk as tech support. At Colorado Academy, days were never boring!
I developed as a maker while at CA in many ways. The CA Computer Science Festival always featured several making activities in the Makerspace. I led a toy hacking interim in which students took apart and re-engineered electronic toys. I designed solutions to store supplies and make tools easily accessible and posted about them on Instructables for others to implement. I also represented CA at Maker Faire Denver in 2017 and at WE Local Denver’s Welcome Night in 2019. These were great opportunities to engage a wider community with making circuits.
Although not strictly in my job description, I contributed to the design of three remodeling projects at CA. First, the transition of a traditional computer lab into the Raether Makerspace and my classroom with 3D printers, Epilog Laser, desktop CNC machine, hand tools and tons of materials. Second, the combination of office and storage spaces in the library into a bright and usable classroom. Finally, I worked with the MS science teachers to update their labs improving flexibility and storage space. These projects were a fun way to implement the design process and learn more about the needs of the CA community.
Throughout my time at CA, I supported teachers integrating technology and design thinking into their classroom practices. Collaborating with CA’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to organize the high school PlatFORUM events was a highlight, but you could find my spreadsheets everywhere from music lesson sign up to 8th grade continuation speeches. Coaching the transition from in person learning to online learning in the Spring of 2020 was exhausting but very rewarding. As was solving everyday “my imovies are gone” types of problems through Zendesk as tech support. At Colorado Academy, days were never boring!
Experience at Horizons at Colorado Academy 2020 - 2021
In the spring of 2020, the director of Horizons at Colorado Academy asked me to help transition the program to online learning due to the pandemic. Horizons is a summer program for underserved youth to build self-confidence and self-esteem and prevent learning loss. We rapidly transformed the summer program to online learning thanks to iPads loaned by CA. As Google Administrator, I created and managed faculty and student accounts. I also trained teachers in using Zoom, Google Sites and Seesaw and provided support throughout the summer. Although summer of 2021 will return to on campus learning, I continue to support the program as Google Administrator.