Like mother, like daughter? If you’re talking about computer science learning in Maine, you’d be absolutely right. The CS Summer of Fun, a “camp” for teachers sponsored by Educate Maine and the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, boasted three, count ‘em three mére et fille pairs among the more than 100 educators in attendance.
Kayleigh and Kara Getty, Kymberli and Shelby Bryant and Beth and Olivia Whitehouse all came to the Summer of Fun as package deals, and it’s safe to say they had rave reviews for the experience.
“It’s been wonderful. We’ve been given so many resources here and I really enjoyed being here with (my mother),” said Kayleigh Getty, who teaches chemistry and forensics and leads the robotics team at Leavitt Area High School in Turner. “We are having lots of conversations about what is possible, and what we will bring back to our classrooms.” Kayleigh’s mom, Kara Getty, teaches gifted and talented classes across the grade levels for MSAD52.
The annual CS Summer of Fun offers sessions designed to help teachers integrate computer science learning and skills into their curricula. From very basic CS learning to more advanced pathways, classes this year covered everything from children’s books to music to Esports, supporting a wide range of interests and grade levels. More than 100 teachers attended the camp at Husson University in Bangor.
Beth and Olivia Whitehouse, who both teach science at Medway Middle School, said attending SOF together was a natural decision.
“She’s my best friend,” explained Olivia, who teaches 5th and 6th graders. “Working together is a good fit.”
(Both said that they had the expected jitters about teaching together—at the same middle school they both attended—when Olivia was first assigned there a couple years ago. “But that didn’t last,” Beth laughed).
“It’s been really fun experiencing this – all these new ideas and resources—with (her daughter)” said Beth, who instructs 8th graders. “I’ve been wanting to jump into more STEM, and tech topics. We are having big ideas and discovering new things, and it’s been wonderful to talk about what we’re learning.”
Shelby and Kymberli Bryant have a slightly different perspective—both were “teaching the teachers” this year. Shelby, a facilitator for SOF, is a program specialist for Educate Maine’s Project Login. She’s a veteran at SOF and manages the Girls Who Code camps in Maine. For both of those projects she’s worked side by side with Kym, who teaches computer science and technology at Spruce Mountain High School.
A history major at Ursinus College, Shelby came back around to CS, which she enjoyed in high school, in large part because of her mother’s influence. “Our story is kind of funny in that way,” she said. “My experience (with tech) in high school wasn’t always the best, but (her mother) was already starting to make a difference in that area.”
“What we’re teaching is so vital and important,” Kym said. “While students are very savvy about using their phones or tablets; and I learn from my students, they need to know more about how things work, and how to be better at problem solving. And there’s a gap that needs to be filled for students who don’t have the resources to maybe learn in those areas.”
“I think your work at (bridging that gap) is really what got me into working in this,” Shelby told Kym. “You are providing what I didn’t necessarily have in high school. That is inspiring.”
Kara Getty noted that CS learning, whether it’s basic coding principles or computational skills, are essential for every student graduating from Maine schools. “What employers tell us is that they are looking for those skills in their employees. Problem-solving individuals are going to be in demand by employers, and we need to make that a priority with our students.”
