Over the past several years, Brooklyn High School has been providing students interested in exploring the field of Computer Science the opportunity to learn from industry professionals through Microsoft’s Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program. Founded in 2009, TEALS is a Microsoft Philanthropies program which seeks to promote equity and sustainability in school computer science programs through partnerships between teachers and industry volunteers. Mr. Jason Knight, an IT Systems Engineer with Travel Centers of America, and TEALS Program volunteer, regularly visits the classroom of Brooklyn High School Computer Teacher George Timas to assist students taking the Intro to Computer Science course.
Over the past several weeks, students have been using Snap!, a computer programming language used in school-based computer science classes to recreate the classic Atari game, Pong, as well as create different sized triangles. Under the instruction of Mr. Timas, students learn the foundational thought processes of the computer science field and engage in project-based learning. Mr. Knight makes himself available to answer any questions students may have and relates the classroom concepts to real-world applications. Students who elect to take the Computer Science II course taught by Mr. Timas next semester will have the opportunity to gain experience using the Python programming language which is used by professionals in a variety of computer and technology related careers. The Brooklyn City Schools would like to thank Mr. Jason Knight for providing his industry expertise as part of the Microsoft TEALS program and helping to inspire and prepare our students for the future!