As the only Latina AP Computer Science instructor in the San Jose Unified School District, I understand the need to teach students real world computer science skills inside the classroom.
I decided to get involved with Microsoft’s Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program because I saw the need to help my students, largely under-served minorities, develop technology skills that can lead to life-changing advances for many young people. In the TEALS teacher-training program I was paired with local Silicon Valley engineers from companies across the technology industry and learned how to teach coding at the high school level. I even helped introduce a self-sustaining computer science program at Lincoln High School, where I teach in San Jose.
It goes without saying that the TEALS program is an invaluable resource for teachers working to bring computer science and coding skills to those who need it the most.
When I was in high school, various people in the community mentored me. I was involved in my academic education, extra-curricular activities, and church community. With the support and encouragement of my teachers, counselors, administrators, and church leaders I was able to be the first in my family to go to college. Now it is my turn to help young people succeed and it is through technology that I have found my opportunity to support the next generation.
I was drawn to technology because it was a medium to communicate with other people – a means of bringing people and resources together. I strive to help creative young minds develop, and want my students to be producers of technology, rather than passive users. Partnering with TEALS has helped Lincoln High School kick-start our own Computer Science Program. Students learn directly from the hands-on experiences of our TEALS teachers and 
explore how coding and computers contribute to our daily lives, whether it is through to music, robotics, business transactions, or medicine. My work with TEALS has re-emphasized the need to incorporate coding skills into our students’ curriculum. It is vital to teach our students coding skills and make computer science courses available at all levels.
On Wednesday, I’ll be attending We Day California with a few of our students, Chloe Varlack and Caitlyn Bardin. They are deeply involved in computer science, participating in programs like Girls Who Code and Tech Girlz, but they also volunteer in the community. They are creating a sustaining circle of helping younger students learn to code and were invited to We Day because of their dedication to serving their community. I couldn’t be prouder of my students and look forward to celebrating!
The TEALS program is looking for more volunteers to teach CS in the Bay Area! Here is a link to the volunteer application: www.tealsk12.org/apply
###
Nancy Ureña Reid, Lincoln’s AP Computer Science instructor, is the only Latina AP computer science teacher in the 42-school, 3,000 employee San Jose Unified School District. She worked in the technology industry years ago on both coasts at a time when it was rare for a female to work in technology, especially a Latina engineer. Nancy’s goal is to close the digital divide for women, Hispanics, and Blacks, groups that are under-represented in the technology force.
