About Teacher Spotlight: The concept of “students first” is at the heart of everything we are and do at CodeWizardsHQ. We know students learn best when they interact with a talented teacher. We conscientiously hand-select the very best coding teachers, ultimately hiring only the top 2% of applicants. Every month, we go behind the scenes to tell you more about one of our amazing teachers. This month, we bring you, Thomas Kellough!
Why do you think it’s important for kids to learn to code?
I think it’s important for kids to learn to code because it promotes problem-solving that can be applied to everyday life. Coding helps you break down large problems into multiple smaller problems that can be tackled efficiently.
What inspired you to learn to code?
As a biology major, I took my first coding class at the University of Texas at Dallas. Although I took the class for elective credit, I instantly fell in love with the coursework. Being able to think of a concept and execute it on my own created a thirst for programming knowledge that I haven’t been able to quench.
If you could have one teacher super-power, what would it be?
I wish I could have a web of knowledge that allowed me to answer all the random questions my students ask me.
What is your favorite teaching story? Or What is the funniest story you have from your kids coding classes?
I love it when my students apply their own unique characteristics to their projects. One of my Python classes has a set of students that always try to outdo each other by adding memes in their projects. Every class is funnier than the one before.
What has been the most rewarding part of teaching kids at CodeWizardsHQ? or What do you enjoy most about teaching kids?
Kids take a CodeWizardsHQ course by choice, not because they have to. Being able to see them get excited by writing programs and showing their parents is very rewarding as a teacher.
What is your vision for the future of coding and kids?
Kids who learn to to code now will excel in the future because technology is only growing. Programming is built into nearly everything and having a good understanding of how the world works will promote better job opportunities and a better future for those involved.
When you aren’t working, what do you enjoy doing (hobbies)?
When I’m not working I enjoy playing video games, such as Animal Crossing, skiing, hanging out with my dog and my wife, and traveling.
What is the best thing you’ve built using code?
One of my favorite things I’ve built using code is an iPhone app that helps you practice vocabulary in another language using a matching game.
How has learning to code positively impacted your life?
Learning to code has led me to a career that I love and am passionate about. I am happy to wake up every morning and get to work while also having enough free time to do the rest of the things I love in life.
Ready to level up your child’s learning experience? Take a coding class with CodeWizardsHQ:
