Mr. Ricketts' Biography 

Hello. My name is Mike Ricketts, and I teach Computer Science at Colbert County High School.  I am married to Teresa Hand Ricketts who teaches 4th grade at Colbert Heights Elementary School.  Our daughter, Emily, is married to Andrew Nelson, and they don't have any children yet.  Emily teaches middle school math at Russellville Middle School.  Our son, Heath, is married to his wife Lauren and they have three children, Dax, Addy Kate, and Annie.  Heath works for the city of Tuscumbia in the Gas and Water Department.

I started programming computers in 1985 in the U.S. Air Force where I was a systems programmer on Honeywell mainframe computers. I learned to program on paper punch cards rather than using an actual computer terminal.  It really made me appreciate the technology that is available to us now.  

When I left the Air Force in 1989, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee to take the position of Technical Programming Manager for the Tennessee Department of Employment Security, and I later was moved to the Tennessee Office of Information Resources as they centralized all of their computer operations into one department. I later was hired by a company from New Rochelle, New York called Mobius Management Systems, and I moved to Atlanta to be their regional Senior Systems Engineer. I moved back to Nashville in 1995 to take the position of Manager of Mainframe Computer Operations for Columbia/HCA Healthcare. In 1997, I went to work for Xerox as a Document Management Systems Analyst. In 2000, I moved back to my hometown of Killen, Alabama and went to work for the local newspaper, which was owned by the New York Times. I started with Colbert County Schools in 2003 as a Network Technician, where I worked for 16 years. 

This will be my 4th year at Colbert County High School teaching Computer Science in a Career Tech Environment. It was a long time coming, but I found where I always belonged. My wife, daughter, mother, brother, several aunts, uncles, and cousins are all educators. I tried to run from my destiny, but it finally caught up to me, and I am so glad it did.

 I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of West Alabama, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade point average.  At graduation, I was awarded the Ralph M. Lyon award for Academic Excellence which is given annually to the graduating senior with the highest grade point average.  

In September 2019, I received The University of West Alabama National Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award .  This award is given to alumni for having distinguished themselves in such a way as to reflect honor on the University and the National Alumni Association.

I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa and the Phi Kappa Phi academic honor societies.

I am currently working on my Masters' of Education Degree in Career and Technical Education Leadership.

My current state certification is for Network Systems and Computer Services. I also hold several other industry certifications.

I have a Microsoft Technical Associate Certification in:

• HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals

• Introduction to Programming using Python

• Introduction to Programming using Java

• Security Fundamentals

• Networking Fundamentals

• Windows® Operating System Fundamentals

 I have two certifications from TestOut:

• Desktop Professional

• Information Technology Fundamentals Professional

 I am certified by the Flipped Learning Global Initiative in Rapid Transition to Online Learning

My courses include Introduction to Python, Information Technology Fundamentals, AP Computer Science Principles, and Exploring Computer Science which is part of a new research program with the University of Alabama called Pathway for Alabama Computer Science, or PACS for short.

I am the webmaster for the school, and I am on the safety and security committee. I am also the SkillsUSA Faculty Advisor.

I am really excited to be here and I hope I can get my students as excited about technology as I am, and show them there is a path for them to follow. 

Information Technology Cluster: 

​The Information Technology (IT) cluster provides learners with essential knowledge and skills for pursuing careers in the following three pathways:  Database Design; Network Systems and Computer Services; and Programming and Software Development. The IT industry is a dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment that has a revolutionary impact on the economy and society. In addition to careers in the IT industry, IT careers are available in every sector of the economy - from Financial Services to Medical Services, Business to Engineering and Environmental Services. Rigorous instruction is provided to equip learners with knowledge and skills for college and career readiness.​ 

Courses

IT Fundamentals

Introduces students tot he knowledge base and technical skills for information technology careers. Students study the nature of business and demonstrate knowledge of the functions of information systems in business. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a safe working environment and on building interpersonal skills needed for working in the information technology environment. Students demonstrate appropriate knowledge and behaviors regarding legal responsibilities of information technology professionals. They explore a variety of information technology career opportunities and develop a personal career plan to meet career goals and objectives. It is recommended that Business Technology Applications be taken prior to enrollment in this course. 

AP Computer Science Principles

Designed for 9 - 12 grade students, CS Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. This year-long course can be taught as an introductory course and as an AP course - no prerequisites required for students new to computer science! CS Principles complements CS Discoveries with a deeper focus on concepts such as how the internet works and the societal impacts of computer science.

Introduction to Python

Introduction to Python is a one-credit introductory course that focuses on Python language basics such as data types, variables, input, functions, operators, conditional statements, loops, and incrementing. Python data structures such as strings, lists, and range sequences, as well as methods for working with these structures are introduced. Students will use the Python language to develop sustainable code. The Python language will be introduced in a blended learning environment which includes video content, practice labs, and coding projects. Students will learn and practice coding in an online environment that requires only a modern Web browser and Internet access. Special software is not required.

Exploring Computer Science

Computing is involved in nearly every field of study, career and industry today. Exploring Computer Science (ECS) is a high school course that provides students with an introduction to the world of computer science. ECS is a college prep (A-G) and Career Technical Education approved course. 

The course consists of 6 units which are approximately 6 weeks each. Assignments and instruction are inquiry and equity based and designed to be socially relevant and meaningful for diverse students. Units utilize a variety of tools/platforms, and culminate with creative final projects around the following topics:

• Unit 1 Human Computer Interaction 

• Unit 2 Problem Solving 

• Unit 3 Web Design 

• Unit 4 Introduction to Programming 

• Unit 5 Computing and Data Analysis 

• Unit 6 Robotics 

Certifications Offered

➢ Certiport Information Technology Specialist (ITS) – HTML5 Application Development

➢ Certiport Information Technology Specialist (ITS) – Software Development

➢ Certiport Information Technology Specialist (ITS) – HTML & CSS

➢ Certiport Information Technology Specialist (ITS) – JavaScript

➢ Certiport Information Technology Specialist (ITS) – Java

➢ Certiport Information Technology Specialist (ITS) – Python

➢ CompTIA IT Fundamentals

➢ TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro