This article has been shared with grateful appreciation from Christopher Kerr’s original post on the CSTA Connecticut blog.
Tallan would like to extend a huge congratulations to South Windsor Computer Science Teacher (and South Windsor Teacher of the Year 2019) Jamie Lang for receiving the 2021 Connecticut NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Educator Award! Jamie Lang’s efforts have contributed to helping make technology-related fields more inclusive for women locally and beyond.
Jamie worked in the Information Technology industry before beginning to teach in 2011, and her experiences formed the basis of her thought-provoking and highly engaged Computer Science classroom. Jamie introduced a Game Design course using MIT App Inventor during her time at South Windsor High School, which, while a fascinating foray into computer science, had a largely male enrollment. Jamie eventually concentrated her energies on building a successful Advanced Placement program and creating new opportunities for students to excel in AP Computer Science Principles.
Jamie also co-founded Girls in STEM day, which is now an annual event organized and run by students that links young women and their STEM careers.
Jamie’s curriculum has expanded to successfully run three sections of AP Computer Science Principles and two sections of AP Computer Science A with another instructor providing additional introductory courses. Jamie also co-founded Girls in STEM day, which is now an annual event organized and run by students that links young women and their STEM careers. Her tips for success in bringing students to the classroom include cross coordinating with other departments such as Math and Science during course registrations, educating and involving school counseling, and ensuring pre-requisites are easy to achieve to enable greater equity for enrollment. Click here for the full list of tips.
Tallan is proud to support the next generation of technology leaders with our Women in STEM Scholarship. This program, now in its 3rd year, helps high school aged women in Connecticut pursue careers in technology related fields. Any high school female in CT may apply for our scholarship, with applications due June 3, 2021. Click here to learn more.