About CSTA Ohio

WHO ARE WE?
In a nutshell, we are a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science by providing opportunities for K–12 teachers and their students to better understand CS and to more successfully prepare themselves to teach and learn. The Ohio Chapter was formed in 2009 by computer science teachers who saw a need for collaboration and networking among Ohio's teachers of computer science.
WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE?
We exist to support the teachers in Ohio who are teaching computer science whether they are new to the subject, incorporating it into other curricular areas, or veteran teachers of computer science. All teachers who are supporting student learning of computer science need resources, collaboration, professional development, information about state policies, etc. in order to do their work. We're here to help and connect you to what you need.
 

Our Board

2022-2023 President
John Dutton is a science and Computer Science teacher at MC^2 Stem High School in Cleveland. He has been teaching in high-need schools for 15 years including two in Mozambique through the Peace Corps. John’s first career was in web design and software development, most recently at Hyland Software. He believes that CS education is critical for all learners because of the development of analytical and marketable skills for college, career and beyond. John hopes that through CSTA he can support CS teachers statewide in achieving all of their professional goals.
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2022-2023 Vice-President

Shanti’ Coaston is a Computer Science educator at Westlake High School. Her previous school was Shaw High School in East Cleveland, where she taught for 11 years. She began her teaching career as an Intervention Specialist and the Alternative School Program. Working with exceptional students has assisted her in the transition of teaching Computer Science to all students. Before teaching, Ms. Coaston was a School-Based Therapist and a Youth Career Coach. Working with youth in these capacities, Shanti’ realized that she could do even more for youth as a teacher. 

 

She is the Co-Advisor of the Shaw High School Computer Science Honor Society, Girls Who Code Facilitator, ESports Co-Advisor, CSTA Ohio Member, and was on the 2017 Ohio Computer Science Curriculum Standards Writing Team. Her many awards include East Cleveland Teacher of the Year 2019, Ohio Lottery Teacher of the Month for March 2020, Certification Magazine wrote an article about her in June 2020, Cyber Hero of the Month (July 2020), and the Martha Holden Jennings Master Teacher Award 2021. She has also been a Co-Lead Mentor for new educators to the school district. Ms. Coaston recently ended her term as a member of the Computer Science Teachers Association Board of Directors as the 9-12 Representative.

 

Ms. Coaston has provided professional development training on technology integration and social-emotional learning at the local, district, and state level. As well as a culturally responsive teaching and recruitment of Students of Color in Computer Science on the national level. Shanti’ recently earned her Remote Pilot License (Commercial Drones) and now teaches exam prep to students and adults.

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2022-2023 Treasurer
Brian Wetzel is the Computer Technology Teacher at Centerburg High School. He is in his 14 year of teaching with the past six years in STEM-related courses. His teaching methods focus on hands-on learning, self-guided learning, and project-based, authentic assessment. He is an Ultimaker Education Pioneer and was named a SMART Exemplary Educator. During his time at Centerburg, he has expanded the Computer Science offerings, teaching AP Computer Science Principles, Introduction to Web Design, Engineering Design Principles, and Introduction to 3D Printing. He has also offered several courses related to video game design utilizing online curriculum offered by Zulama. 
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2022-2023 Communications Secretary
Steve Phelps is currently a computer science teacher, math teacher, and instructional coach at Mariemont HS in Cincinnati. For the past three years he served as and instructional technology consultant at the HCESC. Prior to that, he taught for 28 years at Madeira HS and a math teacher and CS teachers. For 10 of those years, he served on the board of the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics as their website and social media manager.
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2022-2023 Recording Secretary

Carla Neely is a science teacher at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s (CMSD) Warner Girls’ Leadership Academy. She was named the Teacher of the Year for State Board of Education District 11. 

Carla, who teaches fifth and sixth grade, works to provide opportunities for African American girls in elementary and middle school, and has spoken at events that give girls of color increased exposure to computer science. Additionally, she is a Code.org facilitator for the Computer Science Discoveries program. She trains and speaks at events geared toward helping teachers integrate computer science into their instruction and best practices for teaching science to African-American girls. She is one of the winners of the 2021 National Science Teaching Association and Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award.

— description from the Cleveland Observer 9/18/2021

Carla joins CSTA-Ohio as secretary taking up the position where Jenifer Conard left off.

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At-Large Board Member
Stephanie Hoeppner has been in CS education for 23 years and was a founding member of CSTA Ohio. She was also privileged to serve on the CSTA Board of Directors for 2 terms. Her passion is CS education and the support of CS teachers. She is looking forward to being more involved here in Ohio again and serving the Ohio CS teachers.
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At-Large Board Member
Jennifer Trost has taught high school Computer Science for 4 years. She has enjoyed teaching classes that have included basic word processing, computer help desk for the school district, programming in various languages, networking, cybersecurity and robotics. She loves computer science and the opportunities it gives us, as educators, to teach students about the world around them using hands-on real-world topics!
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2022-2023 Past-President
Paula has taught at North Olmsted High School on the far west side of the Cleveland metro area for 30 years. Of those, she has taught computer science for 29 years. She is the only CS teacher in her district (although she also teaches math) and she wanted to be able to collaborate with and learn from other CS teachers. So, she joined CSTA as soon as she heard of its existence. Paula has been a member of ACM before that. When a chapter was formed in Ohio, she ran for secretary and served in that position for 6 years followed by 2 years as VP. Then, she assumed the lead role after a mid-year election.
 
Paula teaches high school AP Computer Science A (Java) and AP Computer Science Principles (using the CISS model in Alice 2.5). She has also been the computer club advisor at NOHS since 1996. She has always been a techie and advocate for CS education and that drives her to reach out to others and continue to improve my own instruction.
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