What are some alternatives to hiring a computer science teacher in a high school?
Equipping and maintaining a computer lab is a significant expense, while an additional teacher costs more than many school budgets can bear. Luckily, high schools do have some alternatives to hiring full-time computer science teachers while still providing effective education:
Virtual instructions: Schools can look into companies offering accredited online computer science courses taught by instructors specializing in the subject. This can be a cost-effective way to provide computer science education to students without making a substantial investment. 2Sigma School works with schools nationwide as their external instruction partner and brings live instructors to their classes integrated with the school bell schedule.
Partnering with local colleges: Some colleges, either as a service to the community or a way to attract future students, are willing to provide computer science education for free or at a nominal cost. This gives students access to experienced instructors and resources the average high school does not possess.
Peer teaching: Students with computer science expertise can be trained to become peer teachers. This method can be used to relieve the pressure on an overworked computer science teacher. The peer teachers benefit, too, as teaching a subject is often an education in itself. 2Sigma School can offer your students the opportunity to peer teach during the summer as a paid student internship to improve their skills and expertise.
Industry partnerships: Reaching out to sympathetic companies within the tech sphere or otherwise may reveal surprising educational options. These can include internships and mentorship opportunities for students.
Using open educational resources: Once you start looking, you may be amazed at how much educational material is free without copyright restrictions, including computer science subjects. Schools can leverage these “as is” or develop their own computer science curriculum and stretch a limited budget. Khan Academy, edX, and OER Commons are all excellent starting points for finding these resources.