ACT-Houston
Houston 832-200-0552
Dallas 214-267-2222Austin 1-877-286-0024
Alternative Certification for Teachers
Computer Science (Grades 8-12)
Obtaining an alternative teaching certification in computer science for eighth through twelfth graders involves a series of general education classes as well as specialized computer science course work. Computer science is an ever growing field with continually evolving features. The ability to teach computer science will be an area where staying ahead of the technology may be just as difficult as staying ahead of the students you are attempting to teach. As the software industry continues to develop products that are more and more user friendly, including programming languages, teaching computer science is becoming more dynamic.
General Teaching Skills Required
The ability to gain an alternative teaching certification in computer science for upper middle schoolers through high school students will require a general education background. In addition to academic basics such as English, science, mathematics, history, social studies and visual or communication arts, specific teaching skills courses will be expected. These courses can include specific learning philosophies, education techniques and hands-on opportunities such as internships and student teaching.
Computer Science Coursework
Teaching computer science will require a firm foundation in programming principles, programming languages and software design. The ability to continuously learn the newest techniques will be important to ensuring computer science students are prepared with a solid basis for more advanced computer science courses. A general understanding of computer hardware and the math fundamentals that are necessary for the purposes of programming will all be pre-requisites for many of the basic computer science classes. Courses in technology laws and ethics may also be required.
What to Expect as a Computer Science Teacher
The eighth to twelfth grade range for students can be difficult beyond just the coursework. Students can be more difficult to engage if they cannot understand the purpose of the fundamentals of computer science that must be learned in order to progress to more advanced topics. The technology available from a school district may also be outdated or prone to functionality issues that distract the lesson plans. Students may also not be prepared with the math skills necessary for even basic programming. Alternatively, the ability to design and create a program may launch the creative interests and skills of students who have previously been unable to find a medium to express themselves.