As computer science educators, we need to be well aware of the fact that certain groups of people are not yet experiencing representation in the computing industry.
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Every June, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies come together to celebrate Pride Month in recognition of the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City. Pride festivities might have looked a little different this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the heart of Pride remains in our community’s determination that each and every one of us gets to live our authentic lives out loud and proud!
As computer science educators, we need to be well aware of the fact that certain groups of people are not yet experiencing representation in the computing industry. Queer, transgender, and gender-diverse voices – alongside Black, Latinx, and Indigenous voices – are stifled by an industry that does not always feel inclusive and welcoming to those seen as “others”. As we work together to break down these barriers and reveal their racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, and white supremacist roots in our society, we must also look at how we are doing this work in our own CS classrooms. How are we showing up for our LGBTQ+ youth, and in particular our BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth, to not only create safe, inclusive spaces for them, but to also encourage them to consider computer science as a way in which they can express, advocate, and amplify themselves and their lived experiences?
During the month of June, CSTA asked this question of its members; below is a sampling of the responses we received. With permission, we have included contact information so that you might have someone to connect with, whether you are an LGBTQ+ educator looking for support in your own journey to come out in your classroom, or an ally looking to better support your students. Please continue to contribute to this conversation on social media using the hashtag #CSTAPride. And, be sure to rock your CSTA Pride sticker from the CSTA 2020 swag box with…PRIDE!
Dan Blier (Plano, Texas)
Dan BlierComputer Science Curriculum Specialist
Twitter: @dan_blier
How do you show up as an LGBTQ teacher in CS education?
I believe in providing students a voice and celebrating when they come out and trust me with that milestone.
What is an action you take to be inclusive in CS education?
I make use of inclusive language in classes and provide opportunities to personalize their work with identifiers that allow them to be themselves.
What is one resource you use to help you stay informed?
I don’t really have one resource I would follow over others. However, I do follow the research and make sure I am up to speed with the best ways to support LGBTQI students.
Cheri Bortleson (Bellevue, Washington)
Cheri BortlesonPreK-5 STEM/CS Developer
Twitter: @CLBort
How do you show up as an LGBTQ teacher in CS education?
I strive to lead with love, live my truth, learn about the truth of others, accept and celebrate diversity.
What is an action you take to be inclusive in CS education?
I think it is important to amplify and share stories LGBTQ+ individuals in CS/tech to promote inclusive environments. Work to change mindsets and create positive narratives around our community.
What is one resource you use to help you stay informed?
https://www.welcomingschools.org/ is a must know about website for educators to learn more and to access great resources to help create and foster LGBTQ and gender-inclusive classrooms and schools. One person who inspires me, pushes my thinking, and is an important voice for us in CS education is Amy Ko (@amyjko).
Jake Duke (Redmond, Washington)
Jake DukeK-12 Teaching & Learning Specialist for CS
Twitter: @stemjd
How do you show up as an LGBTQ teacher in CS education?
As an unapologetic gay man who recognizes the need to learn and uses his white privilege to increase access to CS education.
What is an action you take to be inclusive in CS education?
I always start with the data when leading an initiative. And when planning learning I ask myself “how will my kids see themselves in these tasks?”
What is one resource you use to help you stay informed?
Engaging in professional learning with the Pacific education group and engaging in courageous conversations around race and equity with colleagues both in-person and online.
Bill Marsland (San Francisco, California)
Bill MarslandComputer Science Content Specialist
Twitter: @billmarsland
How do you show up as an LGBTQ teacher in CS education?
I am open about being gay and I model inclusivity because I hope to be the inspiration to other educators that I wish I’d had when I was struggling with my own identity as a gay teacher years ago.
What is an action you take to be inclusive in CS education?
One action I took to address the need for LGBTQ visibility in CS was to create a poster set highlighting the contributions of LGBTQ trailblazers in the field, which are proudly displayed in schools across San Francisco and beyond. Download the posters at bit.ly/CSprideposters.
What is one resource you use to help you stay informed?
I have found incredible resources for educators on social media. I no longer use my Instagram account to only post pictures of my dogs – I now follow incredible accounts about supporting LGBTQ+ students like Gender Inclusive Classrooms, Drag Queen Story Hour, The Book Wrangler, and Black and Bright in 2nd.
Jessie McKinley (Phoenix, Arizona)
Jessie McKinley (Phoenix, Arizona)K-4th Special Areas Teacher (Coding/CS/Robotics/Engineering)
Twitter: @mckinj01
How do you show up as an LGBTQ teacher in CS education?
I show up as a BIPOC LGBTQ teacher by trailblazing CS concepts to my students and being visible and vocal to the community and PLC I serve.
What is an action you take to be inclusive in CS education?
I’ve provided voice and choice to my students and let them know the contributions that my community has contributed to in CS. I’m a lifelong learner so I’m always looking for ways to increase equity and equality in the classroom, and open/guided dialogue of issues that students will face in the future is always on my mind to address in the classroom and with families that are looking for more inclusion and representation.
What is one resource you use to help you stay informed?
Twitter chats and book studies have been a great source for information because it’s easy to access throughout my day. I have a long commute when we start-up in the fall so podcasts by reputable educators also are helpful in staying informed. Ted Talks and Youtube is one more resource for information in digestible chunks.
Tom O’Connell (New York, NY)
Tom O’ConnellChief Partnerships Officer, Mouse
Twitter: @mrtomocon
How do you show up as an LGBTQ teacher in CS education?
As a former teacher, I now provide resources and professional development to teachers and encourage them to help students bring their identities into CS related projects.
What is an action you take to be inclusive in CS education?
I make sure that LGBTQIA+ educators in the CS community have spaces to feel heard and that they have resources to support their students.
What is one resource you use to help you stay informed?
Out in Tech has a Slack channel with thousands of LGBTQIA+ tech professionals. It’s a great place to find volunteers to speak to your students about computer science and what it’s like to work in tech as someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+.
Jared O’Leary (Tolleson, Arizona)
Jared O’LearyDirector of Education & Research at BootUp PD
Twitter: @Jared_OLeary
How do you show up as an LGBTQ teacher in CS education?
I’m open about identifying as non-binary and that neither my wife nor I are heterosexual.
What is an action you take to be inclusive in CS education?
I host the weekly #CSK8 Podcast, where I interview and unpack diverse perspectives around CS education. In particular, I have released many episodes that discuss different aspects of inclusiveness and equity in CS education and have reached out to many more guests to dive deeper into dismantling systems of oppression, discrimination, and violence that impacts communities like LGBTQIA+.
What is one resource you use to help you stay informed?
I’ve been attending webinars hosted by Crooked Media that are about becoming an activist in Arizona.
Daniel Rosenstein (Chicago, Illinois)
Daniel RosensteinManager of Philanthropy and Community Partnerships
Twitter:@DRose0421
How do you show up as an LGBTQ teacher in CS education?
Once a teacher, I strive to build inclusive, safe communities from the ground up that are open to anyone who identifies and/or is an ally.
What is an action you take to be inclusive in CS education?
I listen and try hard not to empathize while seeking out authentic narratives. I also am intentional about creating partnerships with organizations that demonstrate and promote well-rounded inclusivity and tolerance for diverse voices.
What is one resource you use to help you stay informed?
Well, I am a history nerd (former history teacher), so I enjoy listening to Making Gay History by Eric Marcus to understand the roots of this enduring movement for universal LGBTQ+ rights AND to educate others.
Joseph Wilson (San Francisco, California)
Joseph WilsonPrincipal Consultant, STEM and CS Education
Twitter: @josephpwilson
How do you show up as an LGBTQ teacher in CS education?
A former teacher, I bring my authentic self – flamboyance, passion, and excitement – without turning it down for others.
What is an action you take to be inclusive in CS education?
I never assume gender identity or particular pronouns until I am told explicitly by each person.
What is one resource you use to help you stay informed?
I love the Lesbians Who Tech group (even as a cis-gay man!) because their writing and approach is incredibly inclusive.