Day 10 – August 22, 2022 Holidays
There are things that young teachers learn the easy way and some are learned the hard way. The difference is often dependent upon if the teacher listens to the parent, students, or colleagues. One of the hallmarks of a new teacher is the confidence that come from teacher training and a controlled student teacher setting.…Day 9 – August 19, 2022 Alarm Clock
I hear from students that they will change their habits when they get into the “real world” but school isn’t as important. I always try to have a discussion with them that they are better off establishing good habits now when it is easier. …
Day 8 – August 18, 2022 Technology Wave
The story for today is a celebration and post-mortem of introducing students to technology. In the early 1990s, I was lucky enough to transition to the Technology Special at Montview. One of the first things we decided on was the skills that students needed.…
Day 7 – August 17, 2022 Laptops
Schools are always in search of trends and community needs. Our job is to provide an educated and prepared workforce. We spend a lot of time preparing students for careers that don’t even exist and it is sometimes a guessing game.…
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
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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.