Growing a Computer Science Program from the Ground Up

Growing a Computer Science Program from the Ground Up

Linda Hahn, High School & Middle School Computer Science Teacher at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida

Like many computer science teachers today, Linda Hahn did not start her career in the classroom.

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and later a masters degree in school counseling, Linda started her career working for an online marketing firm where she learned the basics of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to manage her clients digital marketing platforms for SEO and SEM.

“CodeHS is so accessible for kids. Even during my first year Intro to Computer Science class, my students were exceptional. They would do the CodeHS supplemental units at home for fun! I had to learn to keep up with them.”

With young kids at home and an interest in teaching, Linda was soon drawn to the classroom where she began teaching Computer Applications at local middle school. The course covered Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other computer applications.

“Nothing in my background would be considered technology.”

Linda will say that “Nothing in my background would be considered technology.” Nevertheless in 2016, “I had never coded. I thought this is going to be really hard.” With the help of CodeHS, a “class-in-a-box,” Linda began teaching her first semester Intro to Computer Science class at The King’s Academy.

“I’m just a lead learner. I’m still learning and you are still learning.”

As she moved forward, Linda approached each computer science class with the same philosophy by telling her students, “I’m just a lead learner. I’m still learning and you are still learning.”

She could feel her students interest in computer science growing. Midway through the year, she implemented a CodeHS Web Design course. To the schools’ surprise, 15 students signed up for the course. It was a success!

The momentum kept growing. By year two, Linda had expanded her Web Design course, doubled Intro to Computer Science class roster, and even added an AP CSP course through CodeHS. All 12 students passed the AP CSP exam that year!

With Linda’s dedication and passion to teach, along with the teacher tools and resources provided by her school and CodeHS, she continues to grow the computer science program at The King’s Academy exponentially!

The AP CSP class has doubled in size (25 students total). Linda now teaches 2 AP CSP sections, 2 Web Design sections, and 2 Intro to Computer Science sections, along with a middle school Karel the Dog and Tracy the Turtle intro course.