Educator Spotlight – Meet Sarah Dornan!
28 February, 2024
Sarah was nominated for a Spotlight by a colleague, who had this to say:”Sarah is a current ITRT and former library media specialist. She has been with the district since the computer science standards launched and has a ton of great ideas to share. She is also the organizational mastermind to organize our website and keep us accountable to keep moving forward.”
–We asked Sarah a few questions about herself and her work in advancing computer science education in Spotsylvania:
How does introducing computer science to students / and or other educators inspire you as an educator?
“When students and teachers fully embrace and immerse technology and Computer Science into their learning and teaching, doors open that may have been shut previously. By teaching CS to our students, teachers, and stakeholders, we empower them to expand on their skills and become creators of their own learning. Being on this journey of growth with students and teachers is an incredible feeling. As a seasoned educator, my favorite days are when I gain a new skill and apply it to my daily life.”
“When we feel uncertain about a concept, it is imperative that educators reach out to a fellow teacher, an Instructional Coach, or tap into our Professional Learning Community.”
What would you tell an educator who feels unsure about the value of CS education for students?
“Computer Science isn’t a mystery, rather it surrounds us in our everyday lives. When we feel uncertain about a concept, it is imperative that educators reach out to a fellow teacher, an Instructional Coach, or tap into our Professional Learning Community. As curriculum and education continue to evolve, it is critical that teachers realize that we don’t have all the prior knowledge and personal experiences for every content area. We are life-long learners that need our colleagues for growth and support.”
Tell us about something you’re excited about or have accomplished in CS at your school (project, event, lesson, teacher response, student initiative….)
“As a high school Instructional Technology Resource Teacher (ITRT), my role has changed since “reshelving” myself as a school librarian. As a member of the district CS committee, my job is to maintain our CS website, lesson plan bank, and post professional learning opportunities. As I continue web design and information dissemination, I strive to utilize the most accessible platform with my audience in mind.”
~Sarah Dornan
Instructional Technology Resource Teacher
Spotsylvania County Public Schools