Teacher Certification
in Computer Science
Barbara Ericson
Teacher Education Representative
Computer Science Teachers Association
Why is Certification Important?
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There is a shortage of CS And IT professionals
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Many people don't know what Computer Science is
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or think that it is not creative, boring, and anti-social
The ACM model curriculum for K-12 requires that all
students take
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yet these are predicted to be some of the fastest growing jobs
through 2012
Computer Science in the Modern World
The ACM model curriculum also recommends
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National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
(NCATE) standards for secondary computer science
education programs
CSTA Survey 2005-2006
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Goal
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Determine the current state of teacher certification for
computer science
Problems
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6 states didn't respond even after several contacts
Many were unclear on what computer science means
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Some gave contradictory answers
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included keyboarding and computer applications
No, we don't offer a CS Endorsement but we require it
The survey didn't ask about Advanced Placement computer
science
Results of CSTA Survey
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20 states claimed to offer a CS endorsement
25 states said that they do not have a CS
endorsement
6 states did not respond
Closer Examination
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Endorsements are often about computer literacy
or information technology
not computer science
 only 8 states have a computer science endorsement
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Even states that have a CS endorsement do not
always require it
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Often math or business teachers can teach computer
science
States with a CS Endorsement
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Florida – doesn't require it
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Nevada
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Upcoming Work
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Poster at SIGCSE in Portland
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Friday
White paper on teacher certification in
computer science by NECC 2008
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Detailed look at
Texas (requires endorsement)
 Georgia (voluntary endorsement)
 Pennsylvania (no endorsement)
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