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CSUDH SITE Awards Program Celebrates Exceptional Computer Science Educators

The College of Education (COE) at 糖心logo入口 (CSUDH), through the Snap Inc. Institute for Technology & Education (SITE), recently honored outstanding K-12 computer science teachers from the Greater Los Angeles area. The annual awards program celebrates educators who are making a significant difference in the lives of local students. SITE, housed within the College of Education, operates with the mission to make high-quality, standard-aligned computer science (CS) an integral part of the educational experience of all K-12 students in the Los Angeles area.

The award winners submitted exemplary lesson plans and applications that aligned with SITE鈥檚 commitment to joyful, engaging, and equitable computer science education.
The event featured opening remarks from Jessica Zacher Pandya, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Education, and Mike Karlin, Ph.D., Associate Professor & Director of SITE. Karlin previously noted that the impressive, innovative work of awarded teachers is crucial for expanding computer science access and ensuring all local students have access to high-quality, relevant CS experiences.

鈥淕iven computer science鈥檚 history as an exclusionary field, only available to select students, it was heartening and hopeful to see the impressive work of these educators," says Mike Karlin, Ph.D., Associate Professor & Director of SITE. 鈥淲e absolutely love the innovative work these teachers are doing to expand computer science access and help ensure all our local students have access to high-quality. It's relevant computer science experiences like this that translate into their classrooms"

Alexis Cabrera, CEO of 9 Dots, served as a featured speaker, and the event also included a hands-on coding exhibit presented by CSUDH Liberal Studies Students and 9 Dots. 9 Dots partners with Title I elementary schools to provide a comprehensive CS program, reflecting the belief that every child should have access to a robust and transformative CS education.

Honoring the 2025 SITE Award Winners

Three dedicated educators representing the elementary, middle, and high school levels鈥攚ere recognized for their commitment to bringing rigorous and inclusive CS education to their classrooms.

Annalisa Quintero (Elementary)
Annalisa Quintero, a 6th Grade Teacher at 2nd St. Elementary, is a proud alumna of CSUDH and a graduate of the REAL Teaching Pathway program through CISE. She holds a Master鈥檚 degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction. Her significant impact was further recognized when she was honored as the 2025 LAUSD Rookie of the Year. Quintero brings a holistic approach to teaching, drawing on her strong foundation in psychology and sociology, which helps ensure all students feel supported, challenged, and empowered. She holds a computer science accreditation and micro-credentials in Project-Based Learning and Fabrication Technology.

Janet Mejia (Middle School)
Janet Mejia is a 6th - 8th Grade Computer Science Teacher at Edwin Markham Middle School, where she has been teaching for 10 years, including four years dedicated to teaching Computer Science as an elective. Mejia is committed to inspiring curiosity and critical thinking, and strives to create a supportive classroom environment where students can develop a lifelong love of learning.

David Finzi (High School)
David Finzi serves as the AP Computer Science Teacher at Hawthorne Math and Science Academy (HMSA). Now in his third year at HMSA, he is building a robust technological pathway by teaching an introductory computer course to freshmen and AP Computer Science Principles to seniors. Prior to this role, he spent seven impactful years teaching rigorous mathematics in inner-city Los Angeles, where he also spearheaded the UCLA Introduction to Data Science course. Finzi's collaborative spirit was recognized in 2024 when he, alongside colleagues, won the prestigious CSU DH STEAM MAX Challenge for teachers. He exemplifies the modern educator by blending rigorous instruction with genuine community passion.

For more information on SITE, visit our center and partnership page.