CSEd Week Teacher Spotlight: Mark Godinez
December 09, 2020
CS Ed week is an annual event that aims to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science. All this week, we’ll be taking the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of some amazing K-12 teachers who are working to expand computer science learning in the schools and classrooms where they teach.
Mark Godinez
Information Technology Teacher, South Dade Senior High School Homestead, FL
Tell us about yourself
I am a Technology teacher at South Dade Senior High School in Homestead, Florida. I teach Digital Information, AP Computer Science Principles, and Gaming Foundation and Programming courses. This is my third-year teaching computer science related courses. When I started teaching computer science, I became very involved in the computer science community. I am currently the Miami CSTA Secretary, the 2019 and 2020 NCWIT South Florida Affiliate Educator Award Winner, and proud to help my school earn the 2019 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. I believe in service learning for my students and together we teach computer science in the community. We started a NASEF Scholastic Esports program last year in our school. My students ran a successful Smash Brothers tournament for the community at the local library last year. I work to bring opportunities to all my students and am especially proud to have a high number of female students in our program.
Why did you go into teaching?
I went into the teaching profession because I found that working with students and education was a place where I can make a difference. Working in a school setting is something I truly enjoyed after working in the nonprofit sector. I believe in providing equity in education and working as a teacher allows me to bring ideas to life to benefit all students.
Why is it important to teach your students computer science and maker education?
I feel that teaching students computational thinking and information technology skills is crucial. It is important to teach students how to use technology for good. How to use their technology skills to solve problems in their community. Teaching students that things they love to do have a career path. Teaching all aspects of gaming from marketing, game design, art, designing, and more. Teaching students to become creators versus consumers. Teaching students how to integrate what they love to do and create a pathway to a rewarding career.
How do you integrate computer science and making into your classroom?
I teach Gaming and Simulation. I integrate Scholastic Esports into my curriculum and afterschool clubs. My students learn how to use virtual reality to teach elementary students about computer science. It is important that my students learn about service learning and how to teach other students about computer science. I also work with our robotics teacher to give all students an opportunity to build and create using computer science.
This year’s theme for CS Ed Week is #CSforSocialJustice. What does that theme mean to you?
CS for social justice means that students learn how to utilize computer science to create solutions for their community. Students learn how to use technology to make things better for all of us. Computer science is always evolving, and it is vital we teach students to solve important issues that face us today.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I believe that teaching computer science from elementary to high school is important and I love being part of the CS community where support is always there.
