Member Spotlight: Denise Thompson

ByDenise Thompson

Denise’s CS Story

Denise’s career began as an algebra and physical science teacher in 2003.  In 2012, Denise served as an Albert Einstein STEM Educator Fellow in a senatorial congressional office.  During her time as a fellow, Denise facilitated the Senate STEM Education and Workforce caucus during which she had a unique opportunity to discuss issues and barriers related to meeting the US STEM workforce needs.  This inspired her to return to her small suburban district and advocate for adding computer science and STEM classes to the OHS course offerings.  Starting with a grant, an online MOOC Coursera java course, and an introductory computer science and aerospace course, she has built both the STEM and computer science CTE pathways at Orting High School feeding students into Pierce County Skills Center programs and UW in the High School computer science courses.  Denise is now looking at a transition into administration focusing on her strengths in instructional leadership, curriculum design and responsible technology integration. 

Denise Thompson is a CTE STEM and CS teacher at Orting High School where she teaches 

  • AP Computer Science Principles 
  • UW in the High School CS121 and 122
  • STEM 3 independent study which includes video game design, robotics, data science, physical programming, coding, debating technology issues and other topics related to computer science. 
  • AP Biology (health sciences pathway) integrating computer science topics such as data analysis, algorithmic bias, crowd sourcing, computer modeling etc.

CS- related extra-curricular activities

  • Advises the STEM club
  • Washington Technology Student Association coach
  • Unified Robotics coach

CSEd moments of pride

  • Created the first ever Data Science framework approved in Washington State
  • Students who are successfully employed in STEM and CS careers after high school
  • Serving as a CSTA Responsible AI Fellow on behalf of Washington State
  • Being awarded FP777 grant funding to support CS integration in core subjects

    Super Powers

    • Coaching and mentoring- modeling reflective practice, project based learning, creating a classroom that encourages student independence and agency
    • Grant writing- Creating compelling proposals and innovative projects in STEM education 
    • Project based learning- establishing tools and routines that scaffold deep learning through engineering and inquiry processes
    • Integrating STEM topics into any subject matter in a meaningful way
    • CTE frameworks- creating frameworks for computer science, biological sciences, STEM, data science, and environmental science 

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