Today there is a pressing need for skilled CS educators who possess not only technical knowledge but also a passion for teaching. These educators are vital, as they equip current and future generations to thrive in an increasingly complex, tech-centric world. However, the opportunities at the intersection of CS + Education extend beyond traditional classroom teaching. This includes roles focused on developing educational software and tools that facilitate learning, making education more accessible and engaging. There is also an increasing demand for experts who can provide specialized training in the practical use of technology across various industries, including cybersecurity.
Careers in CS + Education offer opportunities to shape how we learn in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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Future Ready Careers: Outdoor Industry Engineering with Dr. Lauren Cooper
In this webinar, Dr. Cooper shares aspects of her personal and professional background that she feels have been influential in helping her find and "stay the course" on her STEM pathway. She talks about her current position in a unique "Engineering Partnership Program. The program is designed to provide opportunities in engineering and computer science in a rural location in Colorado at an affordable cost to students. One of the highlights of the partnership program is a focus on "Outdoor Industry Engineering," where students are engaged in real-world engineering and computer science projects related to mountain bikes, ski gear, and outdoor apparel. Another highlight of the program is engaging students in local and international community design projects. Dr. Cooper hopes that talk attendees will leave feeling excited to share the opportunity of the WCU-CU Boulder Partnership Program with the students they mentor and teach.
Pathways in CS+Education and Training
For those interested in a career as a CS educator in either K-12 or college, a background in any CS field is appropriate, combined with coursework in Education.
Those interested in Educational Software Development could consider studying Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, or Computer Graphics. Those interested in careers as an Instructional Technology Specialist Learning Management System (LMS) Administrator would be well-served by a background in Human-Computer Interaction, Information Science & Security, Database Systems, and/or Software Engineering.
Careers in CS+Education and Training
Educational Software Developer
Specializes in designing and creating software and applications for educational purposes, such as interactive learning platforms, educational games, or e-learning tools.
Instructional Technology Specialist
Integrates technology into educational settings, helping teachers and educational institutions adopt and effectively use digital tools in their teaching methods.
Learning Management System (LMS) Administrator
Manages and customizes Learning Management Systems, which are used by educational institutions and companies for online learning and training.
Computer Science Educator
Teaches computer science subjects at various levels, from K-12 to college, and may also be involved in curriculum development for software companies or organizations like code.org or Google.
Cybersecurity Trainer
Develops and delivers training programs on network security, threat analysis, and best practices for data protection, equipping individuals and organizations with essential skills to combat cyber threats. They provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences, staying abreast of the latest trends and threats in cybersecurity.
