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On this page you can find a glimpse into my journey from cybersecurity newbie to where I am today. There's a lot here, but the journey is how I came to be where I am. You can take that journey with me as you scroll.
To the right, you can click to read about the various aspects of my journey from learning new materials to my journey with bringing KC7 into my classroom.
Below you can read my blog post about leaving ELA and venturing into a completely new content area.
After finding success with KC7 In my classroom, I reflected on my transition from core content to CTE in this blog post.
Handling New Content
Handling New Content
When I switched from ELA to cybersecurity, there was a lot that I had to learn. More importantly, there was a lot I needed to learn to teach.
As I experimented with instruction in class, I tightened up and developed my materials to help students understand these complex concepts.
For certification prep, students had to learn things like computer components and binary. So, I found ways to make these concepts make sense. From anatomy analogies to a decryption puzzle gallery walk, students learned these topics and had fun doing it.
Diagrams on a board weren't enough to really connect students' minds with how computers function. So, we ran IT help desk stations to expose students to computer components, troubleshooting, and comparison.
Additionally, this method was a great way to connect to ML students as many components and concepts dealing with computers are difficult to translate.
Experimenting with New Tools
Experimenting with New Tools
Students are encouraged to have anchor projects to break up the monotony of cyber content. Students could utilize tools revolving around 3D modeling, music production, game design, and programming.
Below: Jose's journey from learning about Blender to creating real models of the KC7 mascot, Casey.
Creativity, Math, Robotics
Creativity, Math, Robotics
Sphero Challenge Course Friday's became a staple of my classroom when teaching towards the CompTIA Information Technology Fundamentals (ITF+) certification exam. We originally started robotics and an introduction to code and programming, but students loved playing.
So, we leaned heavily on math concepts including measurement, estimation, and even binary. As always, we began with basics and then applied that foundational understanding to more challenging objectives.
I even tied robotics skills into test taking. Whether students were decoding a message containing directions, landing a robot on 1 of 4 choices, or lighting LEDs up to represent binary code.
This was also an opportunitiy to differentite and offer student choice. Students could choose varying difficulties of tests which came with their own challenges in both content and programming.
Eventually, as students' skills progressed, they began printing course pieces to construct their own courses. This came to fruition with the Sphero Amusement Park where students in all class periods constructed courses in the room, tested them, and challenged others to beat their best completion times.
Connecting with the Community
Connecting with the Community
Students came together for after school events like the Trunk-or-Treat offering their time to connect with kids and show them how much fun technology can be.
Bottom right: my daughter, Hazel, became very interested in coding after spending time with my students.
Connecting with Industry Partners
Connecting with Industry Partners
Left: Jason Downey, Red Teamer for Red Siege, speaks to students about offensive cybersecurity and piques their interest.
Below: My students and I at the Mohammed Ali Center to visit Tech-NIQUE's All That Tech event.
JCPS Media Coverage of the visit my students took to Louisville Metro Government's Security Operations Center. This was made possible through the coordination of business partner, James Meece, CISO at LMG.
Copy of Fairdale Cybersecurity 2024.mp4
Our guest speakers included hackers, programmers, news reporters, FBI agents, business owners, Louisville Metro Government employees, and even Microsoft employees and members of KC7.
My KC7 Journey
My KC7 Journey
In February 2024, I learned about KC7 through a friend at OVEC. I was introduced to Greg Schloemer, VP of KC7, who pitched a role playing game to me where students could sort through data while roleplaying as a security analyst.
I brought it to my students in the middle of a week and by the beginning of the next class, a handful of students were begging for more. That week, as we played together, we learned together. My students were so excited, so the next week I introduced it to the entire class.
I invited Greg to my school for a Advisory Board meeting for my program, but he ended up staying for the entire day. As my students worked on blazing through modules, he helped teach more difficult concepts. Students pitched him user interface changes and ideas for improving things from an education standpoint... and some of those changes are reflected on the site today. Simeon also met with my students and showed them the code of the website, sparking a love of code in the class.
Summer 2024, I almost begged Greg and Simeon to let me come watch the Cyber Summer Camp hosted by Fayette County Public Schools. The target audience was grades 4-7, but I wanted to see how to go about teaching this to a group of students long term. This experience put things into perspective for me and I knew exactly how I wanted to use this in my classroom.
Fast forward to the 2024-25 school year. I began integrating KC7 into the content of my class by building around the game. First students were given foundational knowledge of threat actors, tactics, and ethical consideration. Then, they play the game with supports. Finally, they prove their understanding with attribution reports.
This led to a day-long live event where students throughout the cyber program at FHS competed to solve a module all while suffering from student-selected challenges. During this time Simeon and Greg offered support and shared their experiences with the work in the real world.
I co-presented with KC7 members Jibby Saetang (Making CTI Cool) at SANS Institute's CTI Summit and Greg Schloemer (A New Generation of Cybersecurity) at KySTE. Sharing the work that students are doing in my classroom is such a privilege. Through this work I have had the opportunity to share my methods and experiences with students all over the country (and even a couple outside of it).
My students will reveal and host their own module at the first ever STLP Cybersecurity Live Challenge in April 2025.
Student Experiences
Student Experiences
While in the program, students are given opportunities for site visits to learn more about the field of technology. We attended UofL's Speed School of Engineering, General Electrics manufacturing lab, Geek Squad's IT Helpdesk, Louisville Metro's Security Operation Center, and Tech-NIQUE's immersive All That Tech event.
Robotics, circuitry, engineering, cybersecurity, and virtual reality are just some of the topics students have had chances to experience.
Learning, Creating, Fundraising
Learning, Creating, Fundraising
In my 2 years, I had an impressive number of tools at my disposal: 3D Printers, Glowforges, and a laser engraver. Not only was I able to get students involved with creating, but we also used our creation to raise money for the program.
The custom signs above were created using a laser cutting tool; multiple pieces of acrylic were cut and layered together.
Earings, ornaments, and even chess boards with 3D printed pieces were created and sold.
We also used the lasers to etch gifts such as coasters and tumbler cups. Eventually, we partnered with the school to produce staff and student awards, and even restroom passes that eased efforts of security by being color-coded by floor.
3D printers were used to create functional prints such as ukulele stands, pencil holders, planters, and even robotics course pieces.
Student Run Store
Student Run Store
Did I mention that students ran the store? From establish the store's website and marketing materials, laser cutting QR code signs, and operating the sales counter; this store was fueled by student decision making.
This lesson in business taught many lessons such as marketing and finances, but it also taught students about managing difficulties and customer service.
Club Sponsorship Opportunities
Club Sponsorship Opportunities
Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP)
Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP)
I was STLP coach for 6 years. During this time we have gone to state for projects revolving around building student engagement on the school website (2023), educating middle schoolers on our CTE pathway opportunities (2024), and gamifying engagement in the Fairdale community (2025).
Students have placed in the Newscast challenge (2nd place in 2024), Level 1 projects (top 20% in 2023), coding challenges (2024), and Creative Digital Arts including digital illustration and book cover design (2025).
Also, last year, two students created Ukulele tutoring services through a YouTube channel and weekly visits to the elementary school music program.
Additionally, as a secondary part of a project in 2023, students showcased a scale model of our school built in Minecraft EDU.
Technology Student Association (TSA)
Technology Student Association (TSA)
A student-ran organization with weekly meetings that included fund raising, competition prep, and community around the love of technology. Students engaged in both regional and state competitions.
Quick Recall
Quick Recall
I was Academic Coordinator and Quick Recall coach for 10 years where I am able to meet and coach students with all interests in education. Weekly practices and competitions allowed students to engage in quiz bowl and written composition style competitions.
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