One Voice in CS Podcast

CSTA Equity Fellows

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Education
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Podcast by CSTA Equity Fellows

Oct 1

41 [Topic] One Voice in CS - Improving Teaching Practice Using the CSTA Standards

In this episode of One Voice in CS, host Shawn Patrick Higgins sits down with Vicky Sedgwick, Dan Blier, and Sara Gifford to talk about Using the CSTA Student Standards for CS to improve practice, and a new free, self-paced course that helps teachers reflect on their practice through the CSTA Standards for CS Teachers. Vicky and Dan have been part of the Reflective Teachers work group since 2019 and explain why a course was always the goal: there are only so many conference sessions two people can give, and every teacher, with or without a local chapter, deserves a way in whenever they are ready. Sara piloted the course as a middle school CS teacher and shares what happened when she picked one standard, worked through it with an AI thought partner instead of a discussion board, and brought the ideas back to the class that was giving her the hardest time. Along the way the three talk about how teacher feedback reshaped the materials, how chapters can take the course together, and what changes now that the 2026 PK-12 student standards are here.
Sep 10

40 [Interview] One Voice in CS - Dr. Marcus Borders

Dr. Marcus Borders, a learning innovation specialist with EdFarm, shares how a parent's generosity in his Title I elementary classroom sparked a lifelong commitment to empowering families with technology. Drawing on 17 years in education and his doctoral research — a qualitative case study with parents of elementary-age students — Marcus explores how teachers, parents, and coaches all need personalized, human-centered support when it comes to ed tech. He emphasizes meeting people where they are, building empathy through research and lived experience, and finding creative low-barrier strategies (including the memorable "Potty PD") to keep communication alive and innovation moving forward.
Aug 20

39 [Interview] One Voice in CS -Tarquinn Curry

What happens when artificial intelligence can generate answers in seconds, but students still need to learn how to think critically, make decisions, and solve real-world problems? In this episode of One Voice in CS, hosts Dr. Marcus Borders, Bettie Mustatt-Parker, and Shanna Bohrer sit down with educator, filmmaker, and AI innovator Tarquinn Curry to explore one of the most important questions facing education today: How do we design learning experiences that remain meaningful in the age of AI? Tarquinn introduces his "Prediction Zone vs. Judgment Zone" framework, challenging educators to rethink assignments, assessments, and classroom experiences in a world where AI can predict and generate content with increasing accuracy. Together, the group discusses how educators can move beyond simply detecting AI use and instead create learning opportunities that prioritize human reasoning, creativity, reflection, and decision-making. The conversation explores responsible AI integration, equitable access to emerging technologies, and practical strategies educators can use to help students develop the skills that machines cannot easily replicate. Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting with it in your classroom, this episode offers a thoughtful and actionable look at what teaching and learning can become when we focus less on what AI can do and more on what learners should do.
Jul 30

38 [Interview] One Voice in CS - Anindita Nath

This episode of One Voice in CS features host Julie York in conversation with Anindita Nath, an interdisciplinary data scientist with deep roots in AI/ML and a strong commitment to CS education. Anindita shares her journey from a humble background in India — where her parents were her first and most important mentors — through a pivotal coding competition that bridged her love of abstract mathematics with computer science, to earning a full scholarship for a PhD program at the University of Texas at El Paso. Along the way, she credits a series of mentors (including a substitute teacher and her PhD advisor) for opening doors she didn't know existed. Now established in her field, she gives back through programs like Microsoft TEALS, Girls Who Code, CodePath, and Data for Impact, with a particular focus on supporting women and underrepresented groups in STEM. The conversation centers on the compounding power of mentorship, the importance of belonging in CS classrooms, and practical advice for teachers on guiding students toward resources and visibility.
Jul 9

37 [Interview] One Voice in CS - Spence Ray

How do we create learning experiences where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed? In this episode of One Voice in CS, hosts Dr. Marcus Borders, Bettie Mustatt-Parker, and Shanna Bohrer sit down with educator and learning designer Spence Ray to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, accessibility, and human-centered learning. Drawing from experiences in both traditional and virtual learning environments, Spence shares insights on designing classrooms that prioritize belonging, support neurodivergent learners, and leverage technology in ways that enhance — not replace — meaningful human connection. The conversation examines how educators can thoughtfully integrate emerging technologies while maintaining a focus on equity, student agency, and authentic learning experiences. Together, the hosts and Spence discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces where learners can thrive, the role of empathy in educational design, and practical considerations for educators navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in education. Whether you're a classroom teacher, instructional coach, district leader, or simply curious about the future of learning, this episode offers valuable perspectives on keeping people at the center of innovation.
Jun 18

36 [Topic] One Voice in CS - Empowering CS

In this episode of One Voice in CS, host Shawn Patrick Higgins sits down with three CSTA equity fellows — Michelle, Leah, and Coach Hicks — to discuss their collaboratively built course, Empowering CS for New Teachers. All three came to CS teaching without a CS background, each receiving their own version of "the phone call" that landed them in a classroom they hadn't planned for. Drawing on those lived experiences, they designed the course to address the most common pain points for new CS teachers: navigating available curriculum, combating isolation, building a professional network, and overcoming imposter syndrome. The conversation moves beyond logistics into something deeper — all three reflect on how their most effective teaching moments came not from mastering content, but from prioritizing relationships, creating safe and structured environments, and connecting students to real-world relevance. The episode closes with a resonant shared message: every teacher is a CS teacher, and no one has to figure it out alone.