According to the 2019 Women in Tech survey: The Future of Work, Inclusion, Diversity and Human-Based Computing conducted by WITI in conjunction with IDC last year, only 37% of employees are Women and even fewer - 24% are included in the ranks of senior leadership.  As a technology professional, you have the potential to impact student lives and grow computer science education in America by volunteering in a high school classroom while keeping your day job. The TEALS (Technology Education And Literacy in Schools) Program is a program of Microsoft Philanthropies that pairs industry professionals with classroom teachers to help students learn the fundamental concepts of computer science and to help schools build and grow sustainable, high quality, and rigorous computer science programs. Learn how TEALS has been doing this successfully for over a decade across the United States. The program serves 21,000 students at 625 schools in 27 states across the US and Canada, including those schools in rural areas where students do not typically have access to computer science education. Volunteers can be a part of the Rural and Distance program, which uses virtual technology to remotely reach 135+ schools across the nation.  We need you!

- What's the Problem - Challenges Facing Schools:  high schools don't have enough qualified teachers to deliver rigorous CS instruction à negative impact on number of students majoring in CS in college à not enough programmers/developers to fill available computing jobs

- True Industry School Partnership - TEALS volunteers help fill the CS education gap for teachers and students alike.  Volunteers provide CS expertise and classroom teachers provide educational expertise.  Students benefit from improved teacher skills and the influence of mentors in the classroom engaged in their success

- What's the Role of the Software Professional - much like a cross between 'Doctors Without Borders' and 'Junior Achievement,' TEALS volunteers apply their professional skill in a philanthropic way engaging in one of two models of support -- Co-Teach or Lab Support typically 1-2 days per week.  The curricula are complete with lessons, labs, projects, etc. ready for you to deliver.

Inspire the next generation to be innovators and creators of technology.  Join 1800+ software professionals from 750+ companies and volunteer to teach computer science!

Lucia Berliner is a TEALS Regional Manager based out of NYC. She is committed to expanding opportunities for youth and connecting community members with students in their regions. She has over a decade of experience as an educator in formal and informal settings, including time with Teach for America, the Boys and Girls Club of America, and Michelle Obama's Turnaround Arts (a program housed within the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts). Lucia has previously worked as a full-time classroom teacher; created and implemented after-school and summer enrichment programs; and managed volunteers for large scale community events. Lucia holds her Ed.M. with a focus on technology in education and social impact from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She received her B.A. from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Tonya Davis started her career as a Marketing Representative for IBM selling computers, software, and services to the Education Industry when classroom computers and technology were first being installed and 640K in an IBM PC was a BIG deal! She later obtained an MBA in Management/Marketing also from Washington University in St. Louis, accepted a position with Texas Instruments (TI) as a Senior Product Manager in Digital Signal Processing and made the move to Texas. Since leaving TI, Tonya has pursued volunteer and service opportunities in neighborhood communities, education, and fund-raising.  Her classroom experience includes seven years teaching math and computer science in high schools and advocating for STEM education through clubs, field trips, and summer camps.  Over the years, she has been privileged to be involved with Workforce Development and Training programs at the secondary and post-secondary levels and is keenly aware of the humongous gap in industry needs for Computer Science skills and the availability of talent to meet those needs.  She is passionate about closing that gap and is thrilled to be a Regional Manager for TEALS Houston to make an impact in the Computer Science education space.