Computer Science Teachers Speak Out!

Computer science teachers from across the country tell you what excites them about teaching computer science. A strong foundation in computer science--being able to apply foundational concepts, methods and tools--is required to excel in an increasingly digital and computational world. The National Science Foundation (NSF) leads the nation in supporting the development and teaching of rigorous and engaging computer science (CS) courses. In addition, NSF has a strong commitment to broadening participation in computing through evidence-based practices. Computer science has transformed the way we live, work, learn and communicate, but paradoxically, a smaller percentage of U.S. high school students take CS courses today than did two decades ago. A national movement--catalyzed by NSF efforts and advanced through strategic partnerships--has been working to change that by supporting the development of rigorous, engaging computer science high school curricula and by helping to create scalable models of professional development for computer science teachers. NSF is also dedicated to broadening the participation of individuals in all fields of STEM, including CS. Women, girls and minorities participate in computing in very low numbers, and NSF has supported the research needed to establish best practices for engaging and retaining diverse student populations so that all students have the opportunity to see computer science as engaging, personally relevant and empowering. Through these efforts, NSF has built an evidence-based foundation for K-12 computer science education and an ecosystem of curricula, course materials, assessments, scalable models of professional development and online support networks and resources for teachers. In recent years, NSF has invested more than $110 million to expand access to, and broaden the diversity of students participating in computer science courses.