Computer Science Teachers in US Schools May Be Better Qualified Than Peers

Strategic Insights -

A recent study in North Carolina's statewide data on computer science teachers and student learning suggests that these educators may be more qualified than those teaching other subjects in the same schools. The research, led by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professor Paul Bruno, analyzed data from 2006-07 to 2017-18 and found that computer science teachers had greater education and classroom experience compared to their peers in other subjects. The study's findings, published in the journal Computer Science Education, could alleviate concerns about student learning and computer science teachers' credentials.

Key Takeaways:

  • Computer science teachers in North Carolina had greater education and classroom experience compared to their peers in other subjects, even within the same schools.
  • The average computer science course was taught by a veteran teacher who had three years more teaching experience in general compared to those teaching other courses.
  • Computer science courses were 2.5 times more likely to be taught by teachers with math licenses than by teachers licensed in non-CTE business.
  • Computer science courses are more likely to be taught by teachers with graduate degrees and national board certification.
  • Even when veteran teachers lack formal experience with or specialized training in computer science, they may have other attributes that make them effective instructors.
  • Staffing computer science courses with veteran teachers may be a reasonable way for schools to expand their computer science curricula.
  • The study found little evidence that having a female teacher significantly benefits girls in computer science courses.
  • The effects of teacher racial and gender diversity were less clear, with having a teacher of the same race not significantly affecting Black students' achievement.

Statistics:

  • 67% of computer science courses in North Carolina high schools were taught by individuals who were licensed in business and information technology education.
  • During the 2018-19 academic year, the proportions of white instructors for computer science courses were nearly equivalent to those teaching all courses, at about 78%.
  • About 17% of computer science courses were taught by a Black instructor.
  • Boys in computer science courses taught by male teachers scored from 0.16-0.23 points higher on the advanced placement exams.
  • Computer science courses are more likely to be taken by students who have a teacher with experience teaching the subject.

Sources:

  • [Bruno, P. (2025). Computer science education in North Carolina high schools: A study of student learning and teacher qualifications. Computer Science Education, 1-15.]
  • [Bruno, P., & Lewis, C. (2021). High school computer science education: A study of course staffing and teacher education. Educational Administration Quarterly, 1-23.]