HFC computer science instructor wins Aspirations in Computing Educator Award
HFC computer science instructor Jason Canfield won the Aspirations in Computing Educator Award from the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) in Boulder, CO.
Canfield – who teaches computers full-time at Farmington High School in addition to teaching at HFC – isn’t the only winner. His student Tejaswini Ravula, a FHS senior – whom he nominated – also won, which was recently chronicled in The Oakland Press.
“She is an excellent student. I had her as a sophomore in my computer science course. This year, she’s a senior who successfully passed AP Computer Science,” said Canfield, of Troy. “I am very proud of her and how she has grown over the past two years. She plans to attend a university and major in computer science.”
Opportunities for women in technology
Each year, U.S. high school students who self-identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary are eligible to receive recognition for their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education.
“My goal is to get more females into the areas of IT and computer science,” said Canfield. “This award students receive gives them a sense of belonging in the computing community. It opens doors for college entrance and entry-level jobs in IT and computer science. They’re also provided awards and scholarships.”
Educators apply for the award. One educator per state is selected each year. In this case, Canfield won a $250 stipend to take future professional development courses in computers. Since 2011, more than 500 educators have been recognized and have received more than $225,000 in professional development funding to improve their computing education skills.
“I am honored to receive this award. This is an excellent distinction for me to have as an educator and include in my accomplishments,” he said. “After teaching for 18 years, it finally feels good to accomplish this and see that all my hard work and dedication have finally paid off. It gives me a sense of knowing that I am making a difference in my students' lives.”
Educational background
Canfield graduated from Garden City High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business education, his master’s degree in technology, his teaching certificate, and his graduate certificate in business administration – all from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. Canfield holds both a professional education certificate and CTE Occupational Certificate. A Microsoft and Google Certified Educator, Canfield holds credentials in Office, Excel expert, and MTA certifications in security, operating systems, block-based programming, and HTML CSS programming.
Currently, Canfield is in the final months of his one-year term as university liaison to the state board of the Michigan Computer Science Teacher Association. His primary duty is serving as a connection between high schools and universities, making sure the standards and learning goals in computer science education are being transitioned smoothly from secondary education to post-secondary education.
“I have been able to connect with university computer science professors and see what type of material they are teaching to their students,” said Canfield. “This allows me to tighten my focus on what the most pressing topics are in IT and computer science to teach my high school students.”
Enjoying the diversity of cultures at HFC
Canfield has been teaching for 18 years – 14 in Detroit and three in Farmington. He has been at HFC since 2008, where he teaches Intro to Information Technology and Spreadsheets. He has also taught at Macomb Community College.
Canfield really enjoys teaching at the College.
“It is nice teaching at the post-secondary level to delve deeper into teaching computing concepts,” he said. “I enjoy the diversity of cultures and perspectives among the students and staff at HFC.”