Vashon High School is seeking volunteers from the computer science and software engineering fields to co-teach computer science courses next year.

Kelly Kirk, Vashon High School (VHS) vice-principal, said in an email last week that the course offerings are dependent on recruiting these volunteers. The classes are possible due to a partnership with Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS), a national grassroots program to bring computer science courses to all schools and “close the computer science gap,” the TEALS website states.

The program recruits, mentors and places high tech professionals into high school classes as part‐time teachers. The goal is that the professional volunteers will bring subject knowledge and will join classroom teachers in a team teaching model.

Kirk said the TEALS program provides training for both parties, as well as course outlines based on “successful college courses” at the University of California, Berkeley. If VHS’ application is accepted, the school will offer Introduction to Computer Science and Advanced Placement Computer Science.

“(VHS) is applying to this program for the school year,” Kirk said in the email. “In order to put together a favorable application, (the school) needs to demonstrate that we can recruit volunteers to team teach.”

There will be a stipend and reimbursement for travel as part of the volunteering program and courses will be held during the school’s first period as to not interfere with work schedules of the volunteers.

Kirk said that he is hoping to have all of the volunteers identified in the next few weeks.

For more information about the TEALS program, visit tealsk12.org.

Islanders who know professionals, or are professionals working in the computer science or software engineering fields and would be willing to help VHS build a computer science program, are urged to contact Kirk at the high school at 463-8682 or kkirk@vashonsd.org.