Juanita High School is starting to offer computer science classes. Through the TEALS program with volunteer instructors Mr. Brent Axthelm and Ms. Corinne Pascale, the program is launching this year and will continue to build next year.

TEALS (Technology Education And Literacy in Schools) is a grassroots employee-driven program from Microsoft that recruits, mentors, and places high tech professionals who are passionate about technology literacy and computer science education into high need K-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) classes as part-time teachers in a team teaching model where the school district is unable to meet those needs on its own.

This year, Axthelm and Pascale are teaching one quarter semester segments in current computer classes to introduce the program and generate a presence at JHS.

“I thought that the program was great. It gave me a greater understanding on what computer science is and I now have an interest in getting a degree in computer science,” said JHS student Ryan Stokes.

Student Janai Skiles said the instructors showed her “I can be passionate about computer science when I never expected to be interested in the subject.”

Next year, JHS will be offering a one semester Introduction to Computer Science class with the goal of offering AP Computer Science the following year.

Ms. Corinne Pascale is a program manager at Microsoft for Office 365. She earned a BS in biomedical engineering, minor in electrical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, MS in engineering and technology innovation management from Carnegie Mellon.

Mr. Brent Axthelm is a program manager at Microsoft for Bing. He earned a BS in computer science and entrepreneurship from Washington University in St. Louis.

Both are passionate about technology and teaching students. They bring expertise and new insight to the classroom.