2024 Press Release

CS4Philly 2024 CS Teacher Awards Celebrate Exceptional Philadelphia Educators

For Immediate Release

Philadelphia, PA – May 22, 2024 – In its fifth year of celebrating excellence in computer science education, CS4Philly proudly announces the 2024 recipients of its CS Teacher Awards. Anita Romano from Northeast High School has been recognized with the Sustained Impact Award, with honorable mention to runner-up Erik Wiessmann of Academy at Palumbo. Nick Imparato from Launchpad has earned the Early Achievement Award, with kudos to runner-up Raheem Chowdhury at Olney High School.

Naomi G. Housman, who with Dr. Chad Womack co-founded CS4Philly, noted that the selection process was challenging due to the exceptional caliber of all the nominees. “This year’s winners exemplify the passion and dedication to broadening participation, differentiating instruction and using data that we aim to celebrate with these awards,” she said.

Anita Romano is one of the founders of the computer science department at Northeast High School. Her innovative and inclusive teaching methods have grown the school’s Advanced Placement (AP) offerings by 200% and significantly increased CS course participation by students from historically underrepresented groups. Anita’s efforts to expand young women’s access to computer science has contributed to her school earning a AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award this year, and she and her students recently presented to the College Board on advocating for women in computing.

Nick Imparato has been recognized for his significant contributions to shaping the next generation of tech professionals in his role as the High School Program Director and Instructor at Launchpad. Launchpad is a learn and earn workforce development program preparing high school students from historically underrepresented groups for high paying careers in tech. Currently, Launchpad students represent 30 different Philadelphia high schools with students residing in 23 different zip codes. Through his teaching, Nick not only supports students in earning valuable Python programmer certification credentials, but also empowers students to create meaningful, technological solutions for community issues.

The CS Teacher Awards were founded by CS4Philly and are presented in partnership with CSTA Philly and Jumpstart Philly CS for All. Dr. Tammy Pirmann, Drexel University Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Jumpstart Co-PI, highlighted progress in advancing these organizations' shared mission to bring equitable, inclusive, and high-quality computer science education to all Philadelphia students. “In the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), the number of high school students enrolled in CS courses has more than doubled since the 2017-18 academi year and 39 teachers have earned CS certification,” she stated. “We’re excited to continue working with school and community stakeholders to further the growth of inclusive CS education and a more diverse pool of CS educators and students.”

The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 30, 2024, at Spasso Italian Grill. The event will highlight the achievements of this year’s award nominees and winners and celebrate all Philadelphia computer science teachers.