My last name, Magee, is Irish and means “son of a swamp dweller.”

We celebrate Christmas as Jesus’ birthday, a special time for family, reflection, and giving.

My community values kindness, hard work, and supporting each other.

I recognize my white American privilege and that I’m not fully aware of experiences outside the U.S., which motivates me to be more equitable in teaching.
(Varga-Dobai, 2018)

I enjoy creative writing and storytelling as ways to express ideas and connect with others.

I want to improve using sensory details to make my writing more vivid.

Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors, his stories inspire imagination and creativity.
(Moje, 2007)

I’m fascinated by how code serves as a universal language to communicate with machines and people.

Confident in my problem-solving skills, finding solutions creatively and systematically.

Plan to stay current by following tech breakthroughs and best practices in computer science.
(Moje, 2007)

I’m good at breaking down tough ideas and making coding fun with hands-on projects.

I want to improve my classroom management so things run smoother when students work in groups.

I also want to help students who struggle with the technical language by using smart literacy strategies.
(ILA, 2015)

Disciplinary literacy means learning how experts in each subject read, write, and think in their own special way.

In computer science, that’s stuff like reading code, technical manuals, and solving problems with others.

It’s about thinking and talking like someone who really knows their stuff.
(Shanahan & Shanahan, cited in ILA, 2015)

Teaching disciplinary literacy helps students get the language and thinking skills they need to handle tough material.

For computer science students, it means knowing how to read and write code and all the tech stuff that goes with it.

It helps them feel confident and makes learning fairer for everyone.
(Moje, 2007; Yassine, interview)

I expect some students might act out or not want to listen, which could make teaching disciplinary literacy tricky.

But it’s really important for equity, teaching the “insider” language and ways of thinking helps level the playing field.

Giving students these skills sets them up to do well in school and beyond.
(Brozo et al., 2013; Moje, 2007)