The STEM+CS Residency focuses on a humanizing approach to computer science, critiquing and acting in the world, while centering the community and student experiences. Computer Science is a tool that can be used for positive purposes. K-12 students and teachers are encouraged to critically examine the impact of computer science on themselves and on the world around them. The STEM+CS residency pathway has candidates obtain a single subject credential in math or science and a supplementary authorization in computer science. The Computer Science Supplementary authorization involves a four course series that satisfies the requirements for a California Specific Computer Science Supplementary Authorization. This additional authorization allows pre-service teachers to also teach computer science in K-12 classrooms and allows for an additional 16 units toward salary points in some districts. The four course series involves interactions with current inservice teachers who also work toward a CS supplementary authorization, further enriching the experience and magnifying how theory and practice come alive in computer science educational spaces.
The STEM+CS Residency builds on our extensive collaboration and success on our residency programs over a 12 year time span. This work is centered on social justice with our partner, LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District). We work with our most marginalized communities and work toward educational equity and justice in Los Angeles. Most of our alumni start their careers in LAUSD and many have been named “Rookie Teachers of the Year.” However, whether recognized or not, the work that happens everyday with the students and families is what matters most as we strive to recognize and know the hidden narratives that can help our secondary math and science pre-service teachers become better social justice STEM Educators.
