Although summer is a time to re-charge, COVID-19 has definitely changed the paradigm for all this year. Our tireless team used that time to continue the mission of CSTA by continuing to grow as educators and on community engagement. Read more to see how some of our team spent their summers.
Carlos Vazquez - President
What kind of PD did you do this summer?
- We led various Computer Science trainings including a FTCE Computer Science Exam training with STEM Fuse.
What did you do to recharge?
- Worked with amazing teachers! Oh, and spent time with my 3-year old soon working on his swing and fastball!
What are your goals for this school year?
- In my new role as Professional Learning Manager at CSTA, I'm excited to work with teachers across the country and help shape the CS education landscape through the lens of equity.
Anything else you would like to mention?
- I'm excited to continue to work with such amazing teachers and am inspired by the level of passion and enthusiasm they show every day.
Luis Jara - Co-Vice President
What kind of PD did you do this summer?
- I did MDCPS’ Teacher Leadership Academy and NSRF’s Critical Friend Group training
What did you do to recharge?
- What’s that? Lol I didn’t get much rest this summer
What are your goals for this school year?
- Provide better support for the teachers in these difficult times
Anything else you would like to mention?
- I got a new job with MDCPS’ Office of Professional Development and Evaluation
Willy Orozco - Co-Vice President
What kind of PD did you do this summer?
- FTCE Computer Science Exam training with STEM Fuse.
What did you do to recharge?
- Spent a few days in a cabin in the Smokey Mountains.
What are your goals for this school year?
- Continue the work with CSTA Miami and get more involved with different organizations to get CS into more schools.
Anything else you would like to mention?
- I became a volunteer for the Florida Immigrant Coalition. The idea is to get people to vote in these elections regardless of political affiliation.
Dean Morell - Student Engagement
What kind of PD did you do this summer?
- Smart Online Learning Suite
- Screencastify Certification
- Principles of 2D and 3D graphics, animation, sound, and collision detection
- What did you do to recharge?
What did you do to recharge?
- Relaxed in North Florida and Suwannee River country
What are your goals for this school year?
- Find innovative ways to help students cope with stressors associated with life during a pandemic
Anything else you would like to mention?
- This summer, while my mom was fighting a 56 day battle with SARS-COV2, she participated in a clinical trial that helped to better understand the formation of Von Willibrand factors and micro blood clots during the “cytokine storms” of COVID-19 patients. She is well now :)