Blog

East-West students learning computer science with TEALS

East-West is fortunate to be one of 70 schools across the country with a TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools) program.  TEALS was developed by Kevin Wang, a Harvard educated Microsoft Engineer who noticed that while there was a great need for computer science education in our high schools, there were not enough teachers able to teach these courses.

He envisioned a partnership between industry professionals and teachers which would lead schools being able to offer Introduction to Computer Science courses leading to Advanced Placement - Java classes.

When Mr. Wang came to New York City to introduce this program last year, Mr. Sherman saw the opportunity to add another facet to the courses that East-West students may take.  He applied to be part of this program, and we are one of four New York City schools to be accepted.  We have four industry professionals, Paul Roales, Chris Outram, Michael Thaler and Demetrius Powers, who use a combination of in person and distance education techniques, working with our teacher, Melanie Katz.  The students are learning how to program in a graphical computer language, Build Your Own Blocks, following the Berkeley College introductory computer science curriculum.  Next year, we hope to offer AP Java.

Courtesy of Cynthia Yip

Courtesy of Maple Chen

Courtesy of Andrew Wu

There are several benefits to this program.  First, it's helping to prepare our students to become more college-ready with both technology and their critical thinking skills.  It also provides them with opportunities to differentiate their academics from their peers at other schools when applying to college.  To date, they have written computer games similar to Mario and Space Invaders, so they are having a great time as they learn.  Also, as a TEALS school, we enjoy great support from Microsoft, who was kind enough to provide custom T-shirts (designed by our student Haruna Yabuki) for our class and teachers.

Designed by Haruna Yabuki

Designed by Haruna Yabuki

For more information about TEALS, please visit tealsk12.org

Donald Henton, candidate for State Committee for the 22nd Assembly District in Queens visited the students at East-West during Morning Muster.

Mr. Sherman with Mr. Henton after addressing our students at Muster

Born in Louisiana, both his parents died by the time he was ten years old. He moved to New York City when he was eleven years old to live with his relatives.  He was a New York City bus driver for 37 years, and has worked with Comptroller John Liu for 16 years, behind the scenes to support John Liu when he was running for City Council.  He was drafted two times and did two tours of duty in the United States Armed Forces. He is President of the Flushing Democratic Association, and has been an active member of his community since he moved to Flushing in 1968. He credits his routine of going to bed at 10:30 pm and rising at 3:30 am, commuting to John Liu’s office in Manhattan at 5:30 am, and not taking any medication, or a flu shot for his sharp wit and youthful energy.

Surrounded by Mandarin speakers at a community meeting, Mr. Henton reached out to then Councilman John Liu to sponsor Mandarin classes in his community where 78 percent of his neighbors where black or Hispanic.

Mr. Henton encouraged our students to be more active in their community and get involved in policy making.  As the President of the Flushing Democratic Association, and former Democratic state committeeman, Mr. Henton has played key roles in state government policy decisions, as well as voting which statewide candidate to support.