Madeline Gerena-Franco

Please share your ECS story. How did you arrive at this point in your career as an ECS teacher, as an ECS facilitator?

In 2013, I was a new hire to Lake View High School and my assistant principal at the time told me to attend a computer science professional development. It happened to be an Exploring Computer Science (ECS) professional development. I attended the PD for two consecutive years and learned many things along the way. I was able to witness and observe different teaching perspectives, and made connections with other teachers across the district. As a highlight to my profession, I had Gail Chapman, the author of the ECS curriculum, see me teach one of her lessons to Lake View students. In 2015, I was asked to be a ECS facilitator and I continue with that job today.

Thinking about your own PD experience, was there an aha moment or something that resonated with you?

There are many things that resonate with me from the ECS PD experience, the first is the community of educators, and support you have. For many educators, it’s that comfort of knowing that you are not being judged. You are able to share your opinions, make mistakes, and share ideas with other professionals across the district. The ECS professional development promotes an environment of trust. The other thing that resonated with me was this saying, ”When in doubt, ECS it!”. The meaning of that phrase is the main focus of my teaching practice today. As I teach upper level computer science curriculum, I incorporate the theory behind the phrase into my lessons. The phrase is about developing lessons that contain three main focus points. Those points are having lessons which promote inquiry driven investigations, equity for all students, and computer science content. If you can break down any lesson in which these three components are present then you just happen to maximize your students' learning experience. This theory pulls you away from the traditional teaching method, and promotes a student centered learning environment where students are exploring, investigating and making real world connections.

How has the facilitator experience affected your own personal and professional growth?

On a personal level, being a facilitator has given me the experience to listen to others and see different points of view. Many of the teachers that participate in the ECS PD do not have a computer science background, but yet they have a passion for teaching. I enjoy learning and watching these educators make their own connections to the computer science content. On many occasions, they are opening my eyes and mind to see things different and come up with cross curriculum lessons.

Is there something that you have learned about your fellow ECS teachers that you didn't know before?

One thing that I have learned from my fellow ECS teachers that I didn’t know was the lack of self confidence of teaching something different, and the fear of not having the correct answers all the time. It didn’t matter how many years of teaching my fellow ECS teachers had. It was the notion of them having to feel right or perfect. With my fellow ECS teachers, we were able to embrace that discomfort and move forward as educators.

What would you tell a teacher considering participating in ECS summer PD?

If you are a teacher considering participating in an Exploring Computer Science summer PD. I would tell you this, don’t consider it. Follow the Nike slogan, and Just Do It. It is a professional development that you will enjoy. You are engaged and involved throughout the learning experience. We are not there to sell you anything but to be the support and friend you can count on throughout your computer science journey.

What would you tell a new ECS teacher about teaching their first year of ECS?

For 1st year ECS teachers, I would remind them of one important concept. The title of the course is called Exploring Computer Science, not only are you exploring, but so are your students. It is a class that pushes students to inquire more about the technological world around them and make connections. Not everyday will be a good day, but you will see student’s have their moment to shine, whether it’s in small groups, presenting to others, or in a discussion. Those are the moments that will fill you up with joy, as you see their success.

Is there something special you feel that you bring to the PD experience?

The special thing I bring to the PD experience is my content knowledge, my knowledge on curriculum development, and knowledge on Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) standards. At every PD, there is always someone who wants to know about the standard, and how the curriculum aligns. When those questions appear, I have been the go to person everyone seeks.

What advice would you give to other teachers interested in becoming a facilitator?

For teachers who are interested in becoming a facilitator. It is a wonderful experience. Not only are you reliving your own professional development experience but you are seeing teachers evolve and become better at their own practice. You are also given the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with those that attend the PD. Most importantly, you can even practice on your teaching techniques or try new techniques to your fellow colleagues. Overall, it is truly a win-win environment and experience.

Can you sum up your ECS philosophy, experience, or technique in 3 words or less?

Explore and Learn