Meet the 2021-22 CSTA Equity Fellow Cohort.
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The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is excited to announce the 15 participants of the 2021-22 Equity Fellowship, made possible in partnership with Microsoft and Google.org. We cannot wait to see the innovative projects these fellows create. We will spotlight these fellows and their projects throughout the course of the year, Keep an eye out on The Voice and CSTA’s social media channels for more information.
These 15 fellows have demonstrated success in disrupting inequities in K-12 computer science and want to improve equitable access and achievement at a broader scale. These fellows, selected from 90 applicants, have a combined 200 years of K-12 teaching experience, including 85 years teaching computer science, and represent 12 states and provinces.
This year-long program will provide leadership development opportunities to fellows and identify opportunities for the group to develop ongoing, peer-to-peer professional learning experience focused on addressing issues of equity in the computer science classrooms for CSTA members.
This year’s cohort of fellows includes:
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Lauren Berrios: Visual-Spatial Enrichment Teacher, Grades PK-8, in the White Plains City School District (White Plains, NY)
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Anita Debarlaben: CS Teacher, Grades 6-12, at the University of Chicago Lab School High School (Chicago, IL)
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Regina Fugate: Technology Computer Science Teacher, Grades 6-12, at Maryland School for the Blind (Baltimore, MD)
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Leontae Gray-Ward: PLTW Instructor, Grades 6-8, at Scott Middle School (Gary, IN)
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Sandra Hartman: CS and Media Educator, Grades 6-8, at Lehman Intermediate School (Dingman’s Ferry, PA)
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Shawn Patrick Higgins: CS and Media Arts Teacher, Grades 6-8, at Parkrose Middle School (Portland, OR)
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Vanessa Jones: Technology Design Specialist, grades K-12, at Austin ISD (Austin, TX)
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Catherine Medina-DeVilliers: CS/IT/Cyber Educator, Grades 9-12, at Germanna Community College (Stafford, VA)
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Pradip Misra: CS Teacher, Grades 6-12 at Bagdad Unified School District (Bagdad, AZ)
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Carla Neely: STEM Teacher, Grades 3-8, at Warner Girls’ Leadership Academy (Cleveland, OH)
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Sonal Patel: Digital Learning Innovation Coordinator, Grades K-12, at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (San Bernardino, CA)
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Donald Saint-Germain: CS Teacher, Grades 9-12, at Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice (Bronx, NY)
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Jennifer Styer: CS Teacher, Grades 9-12, at Sehome High School (Bellingham, WA)
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Ashley Ufret: Equity Teacher Leader/ CS Integration Specialist, Grades K-5, at PS 375 Jackie Robinson School (Brooklyn, NY)
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Tory Wadlington: Special Education and CS Teacher, Grades 9-12, at Murrieta Valley (Murrieta, CA)
“I am so impressed by this strong group of CS teacher leaders who will collaboratively design and implement projects to promote equity in CS education,” said Jake Baskin, Executive Director of CSTA. “We cannot wait to showcase their work throughout the year, and you will not want to miss their flash talks at the 2022 CSTA Annual Conference.”
“No one knows how to approach the challenge of improving equitable outcomes in the classroom better than our teachers,” said Naria Santa Lucia, General Manager of Digital Inclusion and U.S. Community Engagement for Microsoft Philanthropies. “We now need to sustain the critical work of engaging and reaching diverse students and encouraging them in computer science, a critical skill needed in today’s economy. We are delighted to support this impressive group of educators in their shared work and collaboration on this important issue.”
“Google.org is proud to continue to support CSTA and the 2021 -2022 cohort of Equity Fellows. The Fellows are an incredible group of educators helping to build a more inclusive and identity-affirming computer science education ecosystem. We appreciate the time they are dedicating to this cohort above and beyond their existing teaching responsibilities.” – Justin Steele, Director, Google.org
Each CSTA Equity Fellow will receive professional learning with premier leaders in the field, including in-person summits and ongoing virtual meetings throughout the year. They will also receive support from CSTA staff, expert partners, and dedicated resources to implement their project, as well as recognition across CSTA’s communications channels and at CSTA 2022. For additional information, visit this page.
