3 Steps to Becoming a Coding Teacher

Becoming a coding teacher doesn't need to be intimidating. I've tried to convert real programmers into after-school coding teachers and it completely bombed. Trust me -- as a well-trained teacher, you have all of the skills you need to be successful. Plus, it's not like you have to know enough to make the next Facebook, just enough to teach the basics! So let's get started.

1. Curate Your Curriculum

We are fortunate to teach in a time when there are hundreds of coding resources and curricula available to use -- and most of them are free! To get started, you really don't have to make your own year plan, units, or even lessons. You can worry about creating your own stuff when you get the hang of things. For now, check out these recommended resources for each grade level (or check out my rated list of resources):

Note: grade levels are generalized suggestions.

2. Prepare Yourself and Your Classroom

Notice how I included resources above for adults to learn coding. That means you! I recommend that you first review your selected curriculum and then move on to the more complicated stuff. I highly recommend the Intro to CS and Intro to Programming courses on Udacity. You should also prepare for your class by answering the following questions:

3. Get Support

Just because anyone can learn to code online doesn't mean that's the best way to do it. Code.org's research found that "students who are learning with the support of their teacher in a classroom setting complete courses more than those learning on their own" (Teachers Matter). We all know that for teachers to be successful, we need support. So rally the troops!

Jump Into 21st-Century Learning!

If you've already had successful experiences coding in your class, share them in the comments section of this post or on your PLN. If not, you may be asking the following questions:

Answers: 1) No. 2) You wish. 3) In your dreams!

Will it be worth it? You better believe it! Now go make it happen!