Domingo Ruiz has been at the forefront of computer science education, helping students build the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving field. His journey into CS started unexpectedly—what began as an opportunity to expand his teaching portfolio quickly became a passion for empowering students through coding.
"I felt that a STEM driven pathway would benefit our students more [than a business pathway] and I'm happy that we made that decision to change directions."
Bringing Energy into the Classroom
Domingo believes that the key to getting students excited about computer science is with them learning how it can affect their lives. He focuses on making lessons engaging, interactive, and relevant to students’ interests, incorporating real-world projects that show the practical applications of coding.
"It's important that students know that they have a chance to make a difference in the world around them with their own ideas. We need their creativity if we are going to continue to evolve as a productive society."
Breaking Down Barriers in CS
One of the biggest challenges in teaching computer science is overcoming students’ self-doubt. Domingo addresses this head-on by starting his class with a Java function on the board, assuring students that in just a few weeks, they’ll be able to read and understand it. This sets the tone for a growth-oriented classroom where students see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.
CodeHS: A Valuable Classroom Resource
For Domingo, CodeHS has been an essential tool in providing structured, accessible, and engaging CS education. The platform’s curriculum allows students to progress at their own pace, reinforcing concepts through hands-on practice. Domingo emphasizes the ability to offer students that have self-taught knowledge additional coding languages that they can learn.
Some of Domingo’s favorite CodeHS courses to teach are Java and Python. He starts the year with students learning computer science concepts in Java and switches to Python in the second semester. He notes that students are always amazed at how much easier Python feels—not because Python itself is easier, but because they’re building on the knowledge they gained in the first semester.
Supporting Every Student’s Learning Journey
Domingo prioritizes creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels supported. He adapts lessons to meet learning styles and encourages peer collaboration to build a strong classroom community. His goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of prior experience, leaves his class feeling confident in their ability to code.
Through his dedication and innovative approach, Domingo Ruiz continues to watch his students succeed and inspire the next generation of computer scientists. His work is a testament to the power of passionate teaching and the role of computer science in shaping future opportunities for students.
