Join educators and counselors from across Ohio to bring computer science to all Ohio students!
The 2020 Ohio Computer Science TeacherCon will kick off with a professional learning opportunity just for school counselors.
Battelle’s Ohio STEM Learning Network will partner with the National Center for Women in Information Technology for a special day-long professional development. Maureen Stewart and Julie Gustafson from the Counselors for Computing Program will share key insights for today’s students.
- Date: Monday, July 6, 2020
- Time: 9:00AM-5:00PM
- Location: The Metro STEM School, 1929 Kenny Rd, Columbus, OH 43210
- Cost/Application: No cost to attend but all counselors need to apply. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are open through May 29, 2020.
What is the NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C) program?
C4C provides information and resources that help counselors join the front line of the computing conversation. C4C brings people and programs together with professional development, knowledge, and resources to give all students access to transformative computing careers.
Why does NCWIT focus on school counselors?
Counselors are influencers. They counsel and encourage students in their education and career aspirations, advise on course selections, and expose students to occupations through career fairs and internships. If young women and traditionally underrepresented students are to get the exposure and encouragement they need to pursue computing, it is essential that counselors get up to speed on the knowledge and resources necessary to guide effectively.
What will I learn during the workshop?
During this workshop, counselors will gain hands-on experience with computer science. You will learn:
- Career prospects in fields like cybersecurity
- Why Computer Science is considered a fundamental literacy for students regardless of student’s future plans
- How today’s industry experts found their way to successful Computer Science careers
More than 95 percent of C4C participants surveyed report having a better understanding of computing and greater confidence to guide students toward computing education and careers.
| Apply here |
What do other school counselors say about this experience?
“I realize now that a specific effort targeting girls must be made to get more girls into classes.”
“I have partnered with our AP Comp Sci teacher to advertise/market/inform more about CS. We’re including information about CS (and STEM in general) in our career and college readiness curriculum lesson to all students.”
“I want to look more systemically at what we do as a school to promote CS.”
Additional questions, please feel free to reach out to Kelly Gaier Evans at [email protected].
Meet the presenters
Maureen Stewart, a Nationally Certified School Counselor, works at Heritage High School in Littleton, CO, where she served as department chair for five years. Maureen is approaching 25 years of counseling experience spanning four high schools in Vermont and Colorado. As an associate faculty through University of Phoenix, Maureen has taught undergraduate and graduate students in psychology and school counseling. Maureen earned her Ed.D. in Leadership in Educational Equity from Colorado University Denver in May 2019. Through her doctoral work, Maureen studied school counselor cultural competencies and social-emotional learning initiatives.
Maureen has served as director of STEAM, a summer enrichment program focused on student leadership and career exploration in science and technology fields. Since 2016 she has been a participant and consultant with NCWIT C4C, and has enjoyed additional computer science professional development, including SNAP. Maureen promotes computer science proficiency to develop social capital for young women and underrepresented populations.
Julie Gustafson joined NCWIT as the Counselors for Computing Program Consultant late in 2018. She brings expertise as an organizer and advocate and is very excited to advance the opportunities for girls and women, and diverse learners to engage in, and feel welcome in computer science. She has more than fifteen years experience working for non profit organizations and particularly working to advance conservation education programs. She is most proud of the work she did with the National Wildlife Federation to advance equitable access to environmental education across Colorado. Julie serves as mayor pro tem of Nederland, CO and on the Peak to Peak Healthy Communities Project Board. She served six years on the Board of the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education and one year as the Board President. Julie graduated with a B.Sci. from The Ohio State University School of Natural Resources. In downtime, Julie enjoys time outside exploring with her family.