GSE establishes computer science education program

Chris Proctor, GSE assistant professor of learning sciences, has led the way in the CS program’s development. He—along with assistant dean and clinical associate professor Elisabeth Etopio, department chair of Learning and Instruction and associate professor Erin Kearney, and administrator of UB’s Gifted Math Program Anne Izydorczak, are bringing to life a comprehensive plan that will support up-and-coming teachers, as well as those currently certified.

“Western New York schools that want to start offering computer science need support designing their programs and recruiting qualified educators,” said Proctor. “Our graduates will bring content expertise, teaching skill, and a vision for the future of their schools and districts.”

Students can come from a teaching background and desire a specific certificate, or students currently enrolled in a computer science program can gain teaching experience and enter the field of education. There also are online and in-person class options to allow for flexibility in a student’s academic journey.

The New York State Education Department has mandated that teachers must hold a computer science certificate to teach computer science courses starting Sept. 1, 2024. To avoid a shortage of computer science teachers, GSE offered a two-course sequence in summer and fall 2023 called Computer Science Now. This was a one-time opportunity for teachers to start learning CS and to receive personalized support in teaching computer science.

“We didn’t want schools to get stuck because they are being pressured from all sides to have these programs, but certified teachers weren’t available yet. Our goal was to have leaders and teachers join this pilot program,” said Proctor. “It was mutually beneficial for us in that we had a small, manageable cohort, but it also allowed for current teachers to become certified in instructing computer science quickly.”

As GSE’s computer science education program formally rolls out, Proctor knows there will be challenges: “A huge task that our team has been planning revolves around how all of these courses layer on top of each other so that we can offer classes in a way that is economical,” he explained. This is so people in all the various tracks can take courses at the same time. That first Computer Science Now cohort has really paved the way for their future peers, and I want to highlight their courage in working with us as this program comes to fruition.”