How A Little Village Teacher And A 12th-Grader Are Helping More Kids Get Into Computer Science

Minimal VILLAGE — A South Aspect high faculty instructor and a person of her learners are being identified for their work to advance and advertise computer science schooling throughout genders.

Katie Roznai, a trainer at Earth Language because 2018, was awarded the Nationwide Middle for Girls & Information and facts Technologies Educator Award for Aspirations in Computing. In her time at the college, she’s taught chemistry and an introductory laptop or computer science training course.

The award is offered to a instructor who encourages “women, genderqueer, or non-binary students to discover their fascination in computing and technological know-how,” recognizing their get the job done to “to boost gender equity in computing,” according to its internet site.

Roznai started off foremost the after-faculty club Women Who Code prior to the pandemic, contacting it a “safe space” for young ones to attempt out coding. She stated a great deal of children could possibly have a stereotype of what a “coder” seems like, and she wishes to press past individuals perceptions.

“I think it’s seriously significant to have just a room for persons who are frequently underrepresented in computer system science where they can kind of discover in a diverse way with no the same type of men and women using about the discussion,” Roznai explained.

Krystal Morales, a senior at Earth Language, reported she joined Ladies Who Code as a sophomore right after using Roznai’s Discovering Computer Science course.

Roznai said she nominated Morales for a student award from the Nationwide Middle for Women of all ages & Information and facts Technological know-how Educator Award immediately after viewing the substantial schooler develop a enjoy for computer system science which is developed into her seeking to pursue a college degree in the area.

The university student award honors a scholar for computing-linked achievements “and encourages them to pursue their passions,” in accordance to the website.

“I was variety of very pleased of myself,” Morales explained. “I joined [Girls Who Code] simply because I believed it would be one thing new. … I imagine it is superior for women. Men and women want to modify the check out that there are more men” in the subject.

Morales’ award arrives with scholarship and internship possibilities for learners.

Roznai reported Morales was 1 of two students who would tune into Women Who Code soon after university when all college students ended up undertaking on the net understanding.

“I’m definitely psyched to see what’s she’s going to bring into the environment here,” Roznai said.

Roznai’s award will come with a small dollars prize and funds for specialist advancement, which she explained she’s psyched to use to increase the Women Who Code club and carve out much more house for computer system science in the university.

On the lookout in advance, Roznai is increasing the computer science curriculum by bringing AP Laptop Science Concepts classes to the school. She said she also hopes to increase participation in Women Who Code with pupils again doing in-individual understanding.

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