The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

By Sharisa Chan

I wish everyone could see what I see when students dive into computer science: eyes lighting up, hands flying across keyboards, kids huddled together solving problems, laughter, and plenty of questions!

Back when I was an elementary school teacher—and later a county administrator—I often thought about what I wished my own administrators had known while I was teaching computer science (CS) education across the curriculum. The truth? CS wasn’t just another subject. It was a spark. When I integrated into other academic areas, it lit up my classroom and transformed how students learned everything! I saw them grow, not just academically, but also emotionally, socially, and behaviorally. The connections were undeniable.

Sharisa Chan

From serving as a classroom educator to championing computer science at the district and county level, Sharisa Chan brings a wealth of experience to her CS education advocacy. She currently works as the Associate Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development at UCLA’s Center X, where she will continue to drive research around equity-minded professional development in CS education.