New York CS Teaching Excellence Awards

The CS Teaching Excellence Award honors K–12 computer science educators whose commitment and excellence have aided the development of CS education and technology. Winners of this award are outstanding teachers who increase the engagement of underrepresented students in computing, encourage students to pursue CS careers, and offer challenging, standards-aligned CS curriculum.

Meet the 2026 Winners

Maureen Conway, Capital Region

Marueen Conway has been dedicated to providing her students with high-quality, meaningful Computer Science instruction since 2017. She has embraced the many different opportunities that a school’s partnership with Siena University offers such as advancing her personal CS knowledge by taking Siena courses, obtaining professional certification in Computer Science through NYS, co-presenting with Siena professors at state-level conferences, and participating in several research studies on CS education. When speaking with Maureen about her experience teaching Computer Science, one can tell how proud she is of her students and of the work she has done over the years.

Mike Amante, Central NY

Mike Amante of New Hartford Senior High School is a veteran computer science educator whose nearly three decades in the classroom reflect both adaptability and sustained commitment to student learning. Over his 28-year career, he has continuously evolved his programming instruction, from early tools like HyperLogo and ActionScript to modern approaches using MIT App Inventor and Python. By meeting students at varying experience levels and guiding them from foundational, block-based coding to more advanced text-based programming, Amante creates accessible and engaging pathways into computer science. His dedication to keeping curriculum current and relevant has made a lasting impact on his students and exemplifies the spirit of excellence recognized by the Teaching Excellence Award in Computer Science.

Brian Ciavarella, Long Island

Brian Ciavarella is an extraordinarily influential educator in our region.  He has expanded the scope and participation of students in computer science in Roslyn High School, both by the courses he has helped introduce and teach and the after school clubs and activities he has led.  He has expanded the opportunities of students across the region through the Roslyn Code Overload Hackathon.  And he has supported computer science educators in the region through his leadership, organization of professional development events, and willingness to share his knowledge and experience with educators who are new to the subject.

Dr. Amy Fox, Lower Hudson Valley

Dr. Amy Fox has been teaching computer science for 33 years, 25 of them in Valhalla High School. She approaches her teaching with a passion for making computer science accessible to all learners and embraces as many innovative teaching practices and new ideas as she can find, always reflecting on her teaching practice and what’s best for students. Not only does this shine through in her classroom, but she embodies this mentality through her connection to CSTA - she was the spark that reignited the Lower Hudson Valley over a decade ago, and has also served on the CSTA national board.

Jocelyn Humphries, Mid-Hudson Valley

Jocelyn Humphries is an outstanding computer science educator whose decades-long career reflects both deep expertise and unwavering dedication to student success. As a New York State Master Teacher in the Mid-Hudson region, she exemplifies excellence by developing innovative courses such as Computer Game Design, Mobile App Development, and AP Computer Science Principles that inspire and challenge her students. Her leadership in the Computer Science Teachers Association and her active role in presenting at conferences demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing CS education beyond her own classroom. Through her mentorship, curriculum innovation, and passion for expanding opportunities in technology education, Humphries has made a lasting and meaningful impact on both students and the broader teaching community.

Théa Williams, New York City

Théa Williams is a 4th grade classroom teacher at Brooklyn Arbor Elementary school and has been teaching technology and computer science since 2017.  She serves as a Teacher Trainer for the Computer Science for All (CS4All) initiative at the New York City Department of Education, where she champions equitable access to high-quality computing education. With a strong background in classroom teaching and instructional leadership, she has dedicated her career to empowering educators and dismantling systemic barriers in STEM fields. As a key leader on the CS4All Equity Team, Thea specializes in culturally responsive-sustaining education (CRSE), helping teachers design inclusive practices that reflect and honor their students' diverse backgrounds. Through her transformative professional development sessions and strategic coaching, she has equipped many of NYC's educators with the tools to build meaningful, identity-affirming computer science classrooms.

Laura Kinne, North Country

Laura Kinne teaches Computer Science Principles and Computer Science Discoveries at Watertown HS.  She includes applications of CS in her applied geometry class and has served as a FIRST FTC Robotics coach.  She has also worked with our STEM Coach to bring a variety of CS-standards connected experiences to her students.

Julie Johnson, Western NY

Julie Johnson has been dedicated to furthering Computer Science in Western NY, and will be retiring this year from Williamsville North High School. She has been a member since the early days of the Western New York Chapter, serving as our chapter treasurer for several years. Julie actively takes her students to various competitions and experiences in the area including the UB Lockdown and the WNY Computer Science Showcase. Her work has helped to grow CS as a priority in her district and in our community.