Violet has taught at Los Angeles United School District for the last 12 years. She is currently teaching Special Ed with 4th and 5th graders with plans to retire at the end of 2024.

When did you first start teaching computer science?

Violet Avelar Romo: One of my fellow LAUSD teachers actually encouraged me to learn more about computer science by signing up for the Seasons of CS professional development program. I quickly realized just how foundational the skill of computer science is. I realized my students need to know this skill, this system, because it will enhance all of their learning. My own skills on the subject are definitely not terrific, but I always tell my students if you don’t know something to ask somebody who does; and that’s exactly what I did with computer science.

Can you share a bit more about what it’s like teaching CS at your school?

Violet Avelar Romo: One of the first things I learned and brought to my classroom was ScratchJr. It’s a program that teaches you step by step sequencing. I was able to teach my students basic sequencing through coding and math at the same time. It became clear that there were all of these foundational skills tied into computer science, skills that my Special Ed. students enjoyed learning and that was amazing to see. To be honest, when it comes to computers, I was learning with my students. It was fun to bring a new CS game to class and then try to figure it out together. The biggest thing for me was realizing that it’s okay to not know everything as a teacher; that your students can teach you, just as much as you teach them.

Why is equity in computer science important to you?

Violet Avelar Romo: In my time as an educator, I’ve taught all grades and different learning abilities. I’m seeing kids who typically wouldn’t be excited about learning get excited about computer science and that’s so important. Computer science is everywhere because technology is everywhere. Giving every kid the tools to learn and grow in a technologically driven world is equity to me.

What advice would you give to a teacher interested in bringing CS to their classroom?

Violet Avelar Romo My first piece of advice is to embrace learning. I think of myself as a lifelong learner as I’m sure many of us teachers do. Don’t give up on teaching CS just because you aren’t an expert. You can learn with your kids. I know teachers want to see their students succeed in their classroom and in life. So let me tell you, computer science is here to stay and it’s going to open more doors to our students. It’s our job to prepare them and to help them learn this skill now so they can use it later.