- Year 2024
- NSF Award #1852868
- Registration Noyce Scholar/Teaching Fellow/Master Teacher
- Role Former Noyce Scholar
- First Name Nicole
- Last Name Montero
- Discipline Computer Science, STEM Education (general)
- Institution Pacific University
Abstract
As a teacher of Technology/Computer Science in a 6-8 Title 1 middle school in Oregon, this display will present a timeline of growth within my department’s program that spans across 2 middle schools under one district. Having now completed my first 3 years of teaching, this presentation will reflect on the drastic changes that have been implemented thus far and forecast for where the continuation of this work will take our student’s pathway opportunities. My experience is a testament to the need for new educators, such as myself, to advocate for as well as instill purpose in program development. Persistence and warm demand are necessary in securing the essentials that are required to prepare our students for their future. The characteristics of grit and determination are what have allowed the positive directional changes I have participated in leading to shape our district’s Computer Science program; especially in an environment that contains many challenges and constraints.
Focus
Partnerships for success (high-need schools, informal institutions, industry, community), Culturally relevant pedagogy, STEM content and/or convergent skills development, Managing high-need classrooms/building trust for all students, Implementing AI in your classroom
