We are pleased to announce the winners of the first Excellence in Computer Science Award. As we continue to expand computer science education in Tennessee, we want to celebrate the teachers, leaders, and advocates who are supporting and championing the movement. This is a competitive award, like the STEM Excellence Awards awarded in the spring at the Innovation Summit, and people can nominate others or themselves for the award. Nominations were open to the public in the fall of this year. We presented these awards on December 6, 2023, at the second annual Computer Science Momentum Expedition - an innovation tradeshow that bridges the gap between educators and industry.
“This year’s award winners are models in advancing computer science education for all through creative instruction, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for teaching. They demonstrate the innovative ways computer science can be integrated into all grade levels,” remarks Brandi Stroecker, TSIN Network Director. “We are privileged to recognize the efforts of these amazing individuals and the contributions they have made in their communities. “
Excellence in Computer Science Award
The Excellence in Computer Science Award recognizes an educator, leader, or advocate who exemplifies integrated, computer science-infused teaching strategies and innovation that leads to positive student learning outcomes.
This year’s awardees of the Excellence in Computer Science Awards are:
Shelby Woods
Computer Science Teacher, Sevier County Junior High, Sevier County Schools
Shelby Woods teaches 7th and 8th grade Computer Science at the new Sevier County Junior High in Sevier County Schools, where she is passionate about providing students authentic opportunities to explore challenges, design solutions, and engage in scientific approaches to real-world problems that are relevant and practical. Outside her classroom duties, Ms. Woods co-sponsors the Junior High level of the Technology Student Association. Shelby provides problem-based and STEM-based learning that expands and integrates computer science. In her classroom, computer science is the tool students use to gain greater insight into other subjects while sparking curiosity. Shelby has dedicated herself to furthering computer science education not just for her students, but for the entire state of Tennessee by serving on the Computer Science Standards Committee. All of this has fueled her passion as she participated in a multitude of trainings, including Reach Them All, and the creation of an exemplary computer science curriculum that demonstrates the endless opportunities computer science can offer our students and their future career pathways. She brings computer science to life for her students and brings new opportunities to her community. While the competitive nature of this award produced many nominations, Shelby was the most nominated person in the state with 5 individual nominations. Shelby Woods is making an impact that others see, feel, and appreciate in school, community, and computer science education.
Dr. Teresa Wise
Computer Technology Teacher, Thurman Francis Arts Academy, Rutherford County Schools
Dr. Teresa Wise is a K-8 Computer Technology Teacher at Thurman Francis Arts Academy in Rutherford County where she is known for her engaging and innovative teaching. This is best expressed by the person who nominated her. “Dr. Wise was the first elementary teacher to pilot computer science lessons in her classroom, immediately following a computer science training in Nashville! She is continuously developing new and engaging lessons for her students to help them better understand concepts across multiple subject areas. Dr. Wise has even created a S’mores page with helpful teacher, parent, and student resources,” shares Vickie Stem, K-5 Science and Social Studies Specialist with Rutherford County Schools. Teresa’s expertise and creativity have blended to make her an impactful model for other elementary teachers, and she is never afraid to share with others. Dr. Wise regularly presents on computer science integration for other educators where she shares and infuses others with her passion for computer science. She has also lent her skills to the creation of computer science model lessons, computer science planning teams, and the Reach Them All program. It is evident that she holds the spirit of a true collaborator. She is also intentional in her planning, preparing her students for careers that do not exist yet. Teresa Wise is an innovator in the classroom as evidenced by student engagement and work, all while being an innovator for her county.
