Teaching Philosophy:
Tracy Ishman, Award Finalist

May 16, 2007

Plano West Senior High School
Advanced Placement Computer Science Teacher

One thing I can do as a teacher to positively influence student achievement is help students believe in themselves by developing better problem-solving skills. Strong logic processes and problem-solving skills are a crucial life skill.

My goal in teaching computer science is to encourage students to analyze the information given in a problem and devise a feasible solution, trusting their knowledge and skills in computer science and mathematics. They learn to break a problem down into smaller, more manageable problems, solve the individual problems, and put together a comprehensive solution.

Tracy Ishman is congratulated by fellow finalists (l-r) Patrick Sullivan and Kelly Brooks, and Keith Braley, Plano ISD Education Foundation president. Trustees pictured above (l-r) are John Muns and Duncan Webb.

This is similar to how life issues can be approached and will support my students in all aspects of life. I do this on a daily basis when teaching by breaking up complex concepts of computer science into simpler, more understandable concepts so that students can be more successful and have greater confidence in their own abilities.

Nothing matches the look of joy and satisfaction on a student's face when through diligence and perseverance a successful solution is conquered. With each successful solution, students desire more challenging problems because they know they have the tools to succeed. Students can apply these problem-solving strategies to other areas of study.

Whether students pursue studies in math, science, business, fine arts, or liberal arts, they will be more successful if they can think independently and draw conclusions for themselves.