Computer science has been a growing industry for quite some time, with new technologies like AI creating more areas of interest in need of exploration. Walter Johnson high school has acknowledged this by developing a strong computer science curriculum and encouraging related clubs. However, with such demand it can be difficult to find enough teachers to staff the classes and satisfy the intrigue in this field. If computer science is the future, what is the future of this program at WJ? To address a schoolwide shortage of tech teachers, WJ is welcoming AP Computer Science and App Development teacher Mike Livermore to fill the gap. 

“I’ve always had an interest in teaching, and I’ve taught at various points in my life in between my tech jobs,” Livermore said. “I retired from my software tech job two years ago and decided just to go full time into teaching. I like the high school ages because I have a lot of nieces and nephews, and I’ve developed very good relationships with them all over the years. I’m hoping that I can be a mentor figure and help the development of the youth.”

Livermore has worked in computer science for over 25 years, with his passion for the industry starting at a young age and continuing throughout his education. He started his college education at the University of Maryland, then pursued his Master’s degree at George Mason University. 

“What got me into it is video games, which is how a lot of people start,” Livermore said. “As a teenager, in middle school I took programming classes, and then at home I made my own games. I also have always been really good at numbers. I’ve always liked math a lot too, and they go together. Computer science is a cross between math and art to me because it engages both the left and right brain, I think that’s something that’s great about it.”

Livermore wants his classroom to be a supportive and relaxed environment, and for students like junior Mya Andriamalala, Livermore has already proven to be a kind and understanding teacher. 

“He is a new teacher, so he’s sticking to the rules, but at the same time I feel like he tries to understand students,” Andriamalala said. “He’s done things like give us a wellness day to prepare for quizzes, and if you’re confused, you can send him an email to talk to him. He mostly goes through slideshows that he makes that we can take notes on, but it’s also very active. So we’re doing the activity to learn, rather than sitting through a lecture.”

For his part, Livermore has been impressed by the eager and respectful attitudes of his students.

“My first goal is to survive,” Livermore said. “It is not an easy job teaching high school, but all the students have been so great, and other teachers all around the area have told me that I picked a great school to start with because the students are respectful, and it’s just a great place.”

Thanks to new teachers like Livermore, the computer science department can continue to educate interested students. This is especially important because of the shortage of both computer science and tech teachers.

“Currently, we’re experiencing a shortage of teachers on the tech side of things more than the computer science side of things,” tech and computer science department head Fedor Mechukov said. “The new teacher, Mr. Livermore, seems like a very competent man.”