Meet Sam: Building Confidence and Curiosity Through Computer Science
At Tséhootsooí Intermediate Learning Center in Window Rock, Arizona, learning is rooted in academic growth, cultural respect, and a commitment to helping students become responsible and compassionate members of their community. This mission comes to life in the computer science classroom, where Samantha, “Sam”, a SkoCode Educator, works with all 300 fourth through sixth grade students.
“What inspires me most is empowering students in a way that truly makes a difference,” Sam shared. “When students realize they can solve problems and create something new, their confidence grows in ways that extend far beyond computer science.”
Growing Together Through Learning and Innovation
When Sam first stepped into the role of teaching computer science, she approached it with curiosity and humility. She was learning right alongside her students, and each week her confidence grew alongside theirs. This shared learning experience helped create a classroom culture where trying new things, asking questions, and learning from mistakes are all part of the process.
Sam actively participates in Indigitize’s Communities of Practice and ongoing professional learning opportunities, including training focused on artificial intelligence. These experiences allow her to strengthen her instruction while staying connected to a broader network of educators committed to culturally ground computer science education.
As Sam brings new ideas back to her classroom, students begin exploring how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence work and how they can be used thoughtfully and responsibly. Sam encourages students to think critically about how these tools make decisions and how technology can be shaped to support their community. This approach reflects Tséhootsooí’s commitment to lifelong learning and prepares students to engage with technology confidently, responsibly and with purpose.
Hands On, Visual, and Collaborative Learning
Sam’s classroom is filled with movement, creativity and collaboration. Many of her students are visual learners who thrive when lessons are hands on. Whether students are exploring unplugged activities, building programs in Scratch or experimenting with micro:bits, engagement is high.
Some of Sam’s proudest moments come from watching students support one another. Peer collaboration is encouraged, and students often step into leadership roles by helping classmates work through challenges.
More than a Computer Class: Culture, Community, and Confidence
For Sam, computer science is not just about learning technical skills. It is about helping students see themselves as capable, creative and connected to their community. By centering culture and relationships in her classroom, she creates a learning environment where students feel supported and confident taking on new challenges.
“When students see their culture reflected in what they are learning, it changes how they see themselves. They begin to understand that technology is something they can shape and use in meaningful ways.” ~Sam
This approach reflects both Tséhootsooí Intermediate Learning Center’s commitment to nurturing compassion, responsible learners and Indigitize’s mission to ensure students develop technology as a tool that honors and strengthens cultural identity.
In Sam’s classroom, students grow as problem solvers, collaborators, and confident learners who understand that technology can serve their values, language and community.
Through Indigitize and the SkoCode program, Sam’s work shows that computer science education can be a pathway to confidence, connection and opportunity. It is more than a computer class. It is preparation for lifelong learning and leadership.
