Randy Mills

Teaching & Learning Computer Science & Cybersecurity since 1975

Recent Blog Posts

Welcome to my blog page. I have reached an age where I believe I have something worth sharing. It is up to the reader to decide if what I post holds value. I want to share my thoughts based on thirty years of teaching and over sixty years of life. These thoughts are my own, and I hope people will receive them in the spirit intended.

My goal is to create a fun space to share stories from my life and experiences. I have mentioned a few names, but only when I felt they would not be offended. These stories are based on my memories, and I acknowledge that others may have different recollections. Nevertheless, I stand by my memories and the resulting stories.

Below are the four most recent but there are over 200 in various categories. Explore and have fun! Enjoy, and feel free to share your own recollections of the stories I tell.

Day 48 – October 26, 2022 Financial Fiduciary

I am a big fan of planning. There exists a group of people that spend money like there is no end and that they will always have money. The other piece is that people often look at the new shiny toy and feel the need to have it.…

Day 47 – October 25, 2022 Early Adopter

Microworlds and Logo programming was my first step into programming with kids. I was doing this with students in the third, fourth, and fifth grades at Montview. As I compare to students coming into my class today, those elementary kids were miles ahead of the high school kids I see now.…

Day 46 October 24, 2022 Breaking Up A Meeting

Welcome back from Fall Break.

Today is one of the ways to break up a staff meeting. Any teacher who has been to a staff meeting understands. Unfortunately, they can’t be leveled like we are asked to do in our classrooms.…

 

2021 - 2022 PLTW National Computer Science Teacher of the Year

PLTW recognizes outstanding teachers who inspire, engage, and empower their students by creating transformative learning experiences in their classrooms through PLTW programs

Aurora, Colorado - Rangeview High School teacher Randy Mills has earned the 2021-22 PLTW National Computer Science Teacher of the Year award, which recognizes educators who demonstrate a strong record of delivering an inspiring and empowering student experience, expanding access to PLTW programs, and transforming teaching. Randy was chosen from nominations received from across the U.S.

PLTW is honoring Randy for his work in the PLTW Computer Science pathway. Randy has been a teacher at Rangeview High School for twenty years and teaches Cybersecurity, Computer Science Essentials, and Introduction to Engineering Design. Randy Is also a Master Teacher for PLTW in Computer Science Essentials and Cybersecurity.

"Rangeview High School is proud of Randy Mills and his dedication to our students," said RyAnn Nelson-Jaiyesimi "Randy is inspiring and we feel honored to have him as a teacher at Rangeview."

Randy helped develop the Cybersecurity course and serves as one of the original Master Teachers for the course. He has been an advocate for underrepresented populations and has a passion for extending Computer Science and STEM to all students equally.

"Teachers and educational leaders perform one of the most critical functions in our society, and we are proud to work with these outstanding educators who are leaders in their classrooms and across the PLTW network," said Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW President and CEO. "Congratulations and thank you for your partnership in a shared commitment to empower our students to thrive in our evolving world even amidst the most challenging and unprecedented of times."

PLTW Summit 2022 - Orlando Florida

Click Here to View Presentations

2022 Aspirations in Computing Educator Award Winner

A thirty-year veteran of the Aurora Public Schools in Colorado. Randy has taught from 1st grade to postsecondary students. 20 Years at Rangeview has been highlighted by being a leading force for Computer Science and STEM. Randy has coached CyberPatriot teams for 12 years and taken 2 teams to the National Finals. Randy assisted with the PLTW development of the Cybersecurity course. Serving on the initial Advisory group and becoming a Master Teacher and teaching core training in 2018. Randy was awarded the National Computer Science Teacher of the Year for 2021-2022. Brought a Cybersecurity class to Rangeview five years ago and created a Technology Intern program for training students to move into internships in the industry. Randy has coordinated and taught a STEM camp at Rangeview for 8 years highlighted by cybersecurity classes. Randy has spent his career working to bring underrepresented populations into the Computer Science field.

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