Zee Thomas brings a blend of technical skill, creative energy, and genuine encouragement to her work at CodeWizardsHQ. She is the kind of instructor who loves seeing ideas come to life and finds real joy in helping others build confidence through coding. With a background rooted in curiosity, creativity, and persistence, Zee approaches teaching as both a craft and a conversation, one where learning feels approachable, engaging, and genuinely fun.

Zee’s own coding journey began later than many students start today, which gives her a unique perspective. She remembers what it feels like to be new, to step into unfamiliar territory, and to decide to keep going anyway. That experience shapes how she connects with students and how she shows up in the classroom.

A First Spark

Before coding became part of her life, Zee loved writing and creating stories. She spent time on a website that animated characters and let users make choices that shaped the story. What stood out to her was that many of the stories were created by users, not just the company itself. Seeing how those stories were built sparked her curiosity about how it all worked behind the scenes.

“It was so cool that they were able to make these stories come to life,” she said. “I remember thinking, I wonder how you do that.”

She was finishing the summer after her freshman year of high school when the curiosity really clicked. Zee realized there was actual coding behind the scenes. While it reminded her of Scratch in some ways, she especially enjoyed being able to type and build the logic directly.

Her mom, who works in information systems, quickly recognized what was happening. After listening to Zee explain what she was building, she connected the dots.

“She said, ‘Oh, so you like coding?’” Zee recalled. “And I said, ‘Is that what I’m doing?’ And she said, ‘Yeah, you’re coding.’”

Not long after, Zee was signed up for AP Computer Science Principles. It was a big step for someone who was still exploring whether coding was truly her path, but Zee has never been one to do things halfway.

Jumping In, Learning Fast, and Finding Community

AP Computer Science Principles was both challenging and motivating. Zee found herself surrounded by classmates who already had years of experience, some of whom had been coding since elementary school or building computers in their spare time. Instead of backing away, Zee stayed curious and kept learning.

“I remember telling my teacher, ‘I want to learn. I want to be really good. Just give me everything you’ve got,’” she said.

That same teacher invited Zee to help start a Girls Who Code club at the school. Even though Zee was still early in her own learning, she jumped at the chance. She helped at the club fair, encouraged other students to join, and discovered that building community around coding mattered just as much as learning the syntax.

“I didn’t know that much yet,” she said, “but I thought it would be fun, and it was.”

Zee continued taking computer science classes throughout high school, including AP Computer Science A. Her academic path was not always straightforward, and at one point she attended a school that did not offer AP computer science courses at all. While that was frustrating, she stayed committed to learning and kept moving forward.

Studying Computer Science With Real-World Focus

Zee chose to pursue computer science in college and graduated last year with a degree in the field. As part of her program, she selected a specialization that allowed her to explore advanced topics aligned with her interests.

“I focused on cybersecurity and software engineering,” she said. “It was a mix of both.”

That combination shows up clearly in how Zee approaches teaching. She cares deeply about helping students understand not just what works, but why it works. For her, coding is about problem-solving, curiosity, and learning how to think through challenges step by step.

Choosing to Teach and Finding CodeWizardsHQ

After graduating, Zee looked for ways to keep coding in her life while doing work that felt meaningful. Teaching quickly rose to the top. She had volunteered teaching coding during high school and later started a Girls Who Code group for middle school students during the COVID years. Helping younger learners discover coding felt personal.

“It really would have passed me by if no one had kind of thrown me in,” she said. “So I like being that person for someone else.”

Zee discovered CodeWizardsHQ while exploring teaching-focused opportunities and decided to apply. Nearly a year later, she still describes her time with the program as flying by.

“It feels like I just started,” she said.

Zee’s Teaching Focus

At CodeWizardsHQ, Zee teaches middle and high school courses across the curriculum. For middle school students, she teaches along the Python track and has guided students all the way through Capstone courses. When asked about her favorite classes to teach, Zee enjoys them all but mentioned one class in particular.

“I really love middle school,” she said. “And I especially love the HTML and CSS courses.”

For Zee, that course brings everything together. Students are excited to move beyond Python and try something new, and she gets to share her passion for web development.

“I love seeing things come to life,” she said. “Web Development just puts all the things I enjoy together.”

Zee describes herself as someone with a creative streak, even if she does not consider herself a graphic artist. She enjoys building, experimenting, and watching ideas turn into something tangible on the screen.

Creating Connection in the Classroom

Some of Zee’s favorite moments as an instructor come from classes where students feel comfortable engaging with one another. She values humor, curiosity, and collaboration, especially in an online setting where connection does not always come easily.

“A lot of it is being online,” she said. “So when a class really enjoys each other and feels like they’re interacting, that’s my favorite.”

Zee also loves watching learning click.

“Seeing those lightbulb moments, when they suddenly get it, is the best,” she said.

And one moment stands out as a sign she knows she is doing her job well.

“When one student asks a question and another student answers it,” she said, “that’s when I know they’re really learning.”

Advice for Parents Considering Coding Classes

For parents who are thinking about coding classes for their child, Zee has simple but powerful advice.

“If you’re even considering it, you’re already on the right track,” she said.

She encourages families to try it, even if it starts with just one class. Coding, she believes, is a skill that complements almost any interest.

“Even if it’s not something they want to do forever, it goes with everything,” she said. “If your kid loves cooking, now they can build a website. If they love something else, coding still fits.”

And once learned, it stays with them.

“It’s a skill no one can take away,” she said.

Life Beyond the Classroom

Outside of CodeWizardsHQ, Zee enjoys slowing down and leaning into creativity. After graduating, she realized she finally had time to explore hobbies purely for fun.

One of her favorites is embroidery, which she jokingly refers to as one of her “old woman hobbies.”

“I started embroidery this year, and I’m really loving it,” she said.

Zee also enjoys reading and gaming. She loves playing Call of Duty, and when she wants something calmer, she likes Stardew Valley. Her reading tastes lean toward fantasy, with a growing interest in science fiction and dystopian novels as she continues to explore new genres.

A Teacher Who Makes Coding Approachable

Zee brings warmth, humor, and thoughtfulness to every class she teaches. Whether she is guiding students through Python fundamentals, helping them build their first web pages, or celebrating a hard-earned breakthrough, she has a talent for making coding feel accessible and exciting.

By meeting students where they are and encouraging them to keep going, Zee helps turn curiosity into confidence and learning into something students genuinely look forward to.

The post Instructor Spotlight: Zee Thomas appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

At just 12 years old, James enjoys building and creating, whether that means coding a game, designing a website, or working on something mechanical. Over the past two and a half years, he has steadily developed his skills as a CodeWizardsHQ student, completing eight classes and exploring multiple ways to turn ideas into working projects. What stands out most is not just what James builds, but how intentionally he approaches each new challenge.

From early game design to more advanced work in HTML, CSS, and Python, James has embraced coding as both a creative outlet and a problem-solving tool. He is especially drawn to projects that allow him to personalize his work and make something distinctly his own.

Discovering Coding

James traces his interest in coding back to when he was about eight years old. At the time, he began wondering how the games and digital tools he used every day were actually made.

“I was thinking, who thought of how to make all this stuff? How does it work?” he said. “I just kept going with that thought until I found out about coding.”

That curiosity led him to explore coding more seriously. While an early program did not offer much instruction, it confirmed that this was something he wanted to pursue. His parents began looking for a more structured learning environment where he could truly build skills and continue progressing.

His mom explained that reviews played a major role in their decision to enroll at CodeWizardsHQ. As they searched for a program that would take James’s interest seriously and help him continue learning, feedback from other families helped guide their choice. “The reason we chose CodeWizardsHQ was because of the reviews,” she said.

Beyond the reviews, it was James’s own interest that mattered most. His parents were focused on supporting what he genuinely wanted to explore. “Just because of his interest in it,” she said. “If he said he wanted to do soccer, we would have put him in soccer. But this is what he wanted.”

Building Skills Over Time

Since enrolling, James has steadily moved through the curriculum, building skills and confidence along the way. His family appreciates the clear learning path and the support they receive from instructors and staff.

“We haven’t had any issues,” his mom said. “If James accidentally forgets to submit something or anything happens, we get notified immediately. We’re able to fix it quickly. Everything’s just been smooth.”

What matters most to them is that James continues to grow. “At this point, he’s still learning,” she added. “If we were going this far into it and he wasn’t really moving forward, we probably wouldn’t be moving forward with it.”

For James, the classes have evolved from early Scratch projects into more advanced work with HTML, CSS, and Python. While his parents no longer understand the technical details, they can see how much he is learning.

For James, the appeal of coding comes from the freedom it offers. “Basically, I can just make anything I want,” he said. “Just purely the creative freedom.”

Diving Into Favorite Projects

Over the years, James has created a wide range of projects, many of which he carefully curated into a personal portfolio. He identified three projects that best represent his work so far: a clicker game, a website for “James Lawn Mowing Services,” and his favorite project, Block Dodge Frenzy.

Block Dodge Frenzy is a game James built recently and considers one of his strongest projects. While it began as a straightforward game, he continued refining it until it felt distinctly his own. “It’s very functional and fun,” he said. “Originally it was just a game, and then I kept changing it until it became something no one else would have thought of.”

That ability to personalize projects is something James values deeply. Rather than following a template from start to finish, he enjoys taking a basic concept and reshaping it through experimentation and creative decisions.

James Lawn Mowing Services showcases another side of his skills as a web creator. Built as a website using HTML and CSS, the project highlights his growing interest in design and layout. The clicker game demonstrates his ability to build interactive experiences that are simple on the surface but thoughtfully constructed behind the scenes.

All three projects reflect James’s preference for web-based creation. While he also enjoys Python for functionality, HTML and CSS are where he feels most at home.

“I prefer HTML for looks,” he explained. “If I’m making an app or something functional, I’d use Python. But if I want a web thing, I go with HTML.”

Skills and Interests Taking Shape

When asked which coding skills he enjoys most, James did not hesitate. “CSS is probably my favorite,” he said. “My top three are Python, HTML, and CSS.”

His mom was not surprised by that answer. Long before coding entered the picture, James was already a dedicated artist. “Before coding, that was his thing,” she said. “He can draw like he took professional classes, and he’s never been taught.”

James’s artistic side shows up clearly in his coding work, especially in his layouts, visuals, and attention to detail. It also explains why he gravitates toward projects where creativity and structure overlap.

Looking ahead, James is eager to keep expanding his skill set. He is particularly interested in learning new languages. Beyond games, he has begun thinking about cybersecurity as a possible future direction, inspired in part by a family member who works in that field.

“In the short term, I’d probably make some games,” he said. “Then maybe try to figure out cybersecurity eventually.”

Life Beyond Coding

Coding may be a major part of James’s life, but it is far from the only thing that keeps him busy. He describes himself as someone who likes to build and make things of all kinds.

I like mechanical stuff,” he said. “I enjoy building and making things.”

That interest extends into hardware and electronics. James has begun experimenting with Arduino components, combining coding with physical builds. “You code it,” he explained. “I get components and put together any random fun thing I think of.”

One of his early creations was a button that counts how many times it is pressed, powered by a battery designed to last a very long time. For James, projects like this are about exploration.

He also runs a small YouTube channel where he shares his work in 3D art and animation using Blender. “Mainly it’s just testing my animation skills,” he said. While tutorials are something he hopes to create in the future, for now he focuses on building and sharing what he has made.

Outside of technology, James loves to read. “I’ve read over 100 books,” he said. His favorite genres are fantasy and fiction, with The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia at the top of his list.

He also enjoys drawing, especially robots and mechanical designs, and spends much of his free time creating in one form or another.

At home, James lives with his two sisters and two dogs, Jack and Charlie. While his siblings are not as involved in coding, his youngest sister has shown some interest in Scratch. Recently, James even began teaching her himself. “He started being her teacher,” his mom said. “And we started paying him for it.”

Looking Ahead

James’s path so far reflects a balance of creativity, logic, and curiosity. Whether he is designing a website, building a game, wiring hardware, or sketching mechanical designs, he approaches each project with focus and intention. His love for math, art, and problem-solving all come together in the work he does, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

As he continues learning and creating, James is already building a foundation that blends technical skill with imagination.

His instructor has seen that initiative firsthand:

James is a student who consistently goes above and beyond in class. It’s clear that coding is a passion of his. He’s always looking for ways to push his projects further, often taking what we learn in class and applying it to side projects he works on independently. That level of initiative really sets him apart.

Nathan West, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

James’s Standout Projects

Lawn Services Website

Clicker Game

Black Dodge Frenzy

The post Student Spotlight: James appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Eleanor may be only nine, but she already brings a remarkable mix of focus, curiosity, and creativity to everything she does. As a CodeWizardsHQ student, she is just as happy building a Python game as she is stepping onto the karate mat or picking up a fencing blade. Her instructor calls her a standout in class, and it is easy to see why she was chosen for a Student Spotlight.

In just three courses, including Intro to Python, Eleanor has embraced each new challenge and is eager to keep going. She shows up ready to learn, shares her projects with confidence, and treats every lesson as a chance to create something new.

Discovering Coding

Eleanor’s coding journey began as a family conversation. Her dad, who works in finance and accounting, had been exploring how useful coding could be in his own career. Hearing him talk about it made her mom think seriously about how valuable coding might be for both of her children. Even without a programming background herself, her mom felt strongly that learning to code could help Eleanor no matter what path she chose in the future.

“I feel like if she has the skills, no matter what she is going to do, she will be able to find a job,” her mom shared.

Her mom started researching programs online, comparing options and watching videos. She kept returning to CodeWizardsHQ because the website was clear and easy to understand. She liked the detailed explanations about how classes work and appreciated that the program eventually leads to a high school internship opportunity.

Eleanor’s older brother enrolled first and dove into Python. Watching him code sparked her interest. She began with Scratch, then counted the days until she could start Python as well.

“She could not wait to start Python,” her mom said. “She was so happy when she finally got there.”

Eleanor also has a natural love of building things. Whether she is working with Legos or writing code, she enjoys creating something new from simple pieces. That curiosity and creativity helped her feel right at home in her early coding lessons.

Diving Into Projects

Once Eleanor reached Intro to Python, her imagination took off. She has already created several memorable projects, each one showing new skills and creativity.

One of her favorite early projects was a space-themed game where the player travels through the galaxy to reach a “Pizza Planet.” Eleanor enjoyed bringing that tiny universe to life on the screen and guiding her character through a fun, interstellar challenge.

She also loved working on a puzzle where players had to enter the correct guesses to unlock a secret gate. She liked making the game react to each attempt and finding ways to make the challenge feel exciting and rewarding.

Another memorable project was a space maze she created. The player weaves through obstacles, reaches a door, and then faces a final showdown by battling a ship. It is a great example of her growing technical skills and her creativity in designing interactive worlds.

Looking ahead, she already knows what she wants to do with what she is learning. “I want to make fun games so people can try them,” she said. The idea of creating experiences that others can enjoy motivates her as she moves forward in Python.

Learning and Growing

Behind each project is a growing set of skills. Eleanor enjoys seeing how different pieces of code work together and how small adjustments can transform what happens on the screen. She likes the feeling of progress as she learns new concepts and brings her ideas to life.

Her mom has noticed that coding has become something Eleanor takes ownership of. She follows along confidently, asks questions when she needs to, and enjoys the rhythm of learning a little more each week. Staying with the same instructor has helped her feel steady and supported, and it shows in how willing she is to share her work.

With each lesson, Eleanor is building confidence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that carry into the rest of her life, from her hobbies to the way she approaches challenges.

Learning In and Out of the Classroom

At school, Eleanor’s favorite subject is social studies. “I like social studies because I get to read stories about the past,” she explained. She enjoys learning, writing, and discovering new pieces of history through the stories she reads.

She also likes reading for fun, especially Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man. Her love of stories connects naturally to her interest in game creation, where she builds her own adventures on the screen.

Strength, Skill, and Creativity

Outside of school and coding, Eleanor leads an active life. She trains in karate twice a week and has already earned her black belt, an impressive accomplishment at her age. She began karate when she was three, and from the start she listened attentively, focused well, and impressed her instructors.

Eleanor also practices fencing and has been doing it for about two years. She trains with a club, wears the full gear, and competes within the program. “I have a first-place medal and two third-place medals,” she said proudly.

Karate and fencing complement each other well. Both require speed, discipline, and awareness. Eleanor has noticed how the movement and control she learns in karate help her defend and react quickly during fencing matches.

She also dances, starting about a year ago. She enjoys hip-hop classes and even chose dance as part of her summer activities. Her schedule stays full of movement, practice, and creativity.

Music is another important part of her life. Eleanor has been playing piano for about five years, beginning when she was four. She comes from a musical family, and her mom encouraged both children to explore music early.

At home, Eleanor helps care for three pets: a German Shepherd named Gunther, a relaxed cat named Mickey, and an energetic hamster.

Looking Ahead

When Eleanor imagines her future, she sees herself caring for animals as a veterinarian. Coding may or may not be central to that career, but she already understands it can support almost anything she chooses to pursue. Her mom agrees and believes giving her children coding skills now will help them stay prepared in a world shaped by technology.

Between her discipline in karate, her precision in fencing, her creativity in dance and music, and her growing skills in coding, Eleanor has built a strong foundation for whatever comes next.

It seems her instructor, Justin, agrees:

Eleanor always goes above and beyond in class. She consistently answers questions, participates, and presents her project to the class. She is always engaged and learning.

Justin Broussard, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Eleanor’s Standout Projects

The Pizza Galaxy

Find the Diamond Game

Transformers

The post Student Spotlight: Eleanor appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

CodeWizardsHQ student Connor is a curious and motivated learner who enjoys challenges that let him think creatively and solve problems. Whether he’s swimming laps, caring for his family’s many pets, or working on a new project, he approaches each activity with focus and enthusiasm.

At 13, he is several classes into the CodeWizardsHQ middle school curriculum and has discovered a real passion for programming—especially Python. He likes seeing how code comes together to create something that works, something he built himself.

A Spark in Scratch

His first experience with coding came when a friend introduced him to Scratch around age nine. The two of them spent school lunches creating projects together and experimenting with simple games, and that early curiosity quickly turned into a lasting interest. “When I saw what my friends had made, it looked really complicated,” he said. “I wanted to know more.”

Structure That Makes a Difference

Connor’s dad wanted to support his growing interest in coding but wasn’t sure where to start. He explored a few different options and ultimately chose CodeWizardsHQ because it offered the structure and consistency he was looking for.

“The structure was a big piece of it. It just looked well put together, and we’ve had a really good experience so far,” he said. He also appreciates the regular communication that keeps him informed and connected to what Connor is learning. “He’s really enjoying it,” he added. “He seems really excited after every class.”

Building Skills and Confidence

Since starting with CodeWizardsHQ, Connor has completed projects in both Python and web development and is already eager to move on to the next class. Projects that combine everything he has learned are his favorite, especially the ones he can share with his family. He even taught his dad how to code a Python game.

Diving Into Projects

Ask Connor about his favorite part of class, and he talks about the final projects. Those are the ones where everything they have learned comes together, and students can make it their own.

One of his favorites was the Python rock, paper, scissors game. This one stands out because he took what he learned in class and retaught it at home. He set up a mini coding session for his dad and walked him through building the game. His dad said, “He learned it well enough that he could teach me how to do it, so there’s something to it.”

Another memorable project was his HTML fortune cookie page. In his web course, he built a page where you click to get a fortune. Simple, visual, and interactive, it’s the kind of project that perfectly fits his curiosity and sense of fun.

He also remembers one of his earliest Python projects, Galactic Explorer. Even though it was one of the first, it made him feel like a real coder. “It made me feel like I’m starting to learn,” he said. “Like a lot more is going to be done in the future.”

Connor also said he likes to customize his projects. That small detail matters. Students who add features are the ones starting to think like developers, not just completing assignments.

Learning and Growing

Of the languages he has tried so far, Python is the one that clicks the most. “I really like the structuredness of it,” he said. HTML felt organized too, but Python, in his words, “has all this stuff, but it all makes sense when you figure it all out.”

He has already completed three classes, including HTML and CSS, and is enrolled in his capstone. After that, he is looking forward to JavaScript. Being able to add more interaction to websites is something he is interested in, especially because he already spends time in games and on the web.

From his dad’s perspective, the biggest win has been seeing Connor come out of class energized and being able to explain what he built. “We always ask him what he learned,” his dad said. “I think it’s a great program.”

Inside and Outside the Classroom

Connor approaches his schoolwork with the same curiosity he brings to coding. Math is his favorite subject, followed by science and Spanish. Each one challenges him to think logically and build on what he’s already learned, just like programming. He especially enjoys science experiments and projects that let him see results firsthand.

Outside of class, he stays active through swimming. He has been part of a club team and even participated in charity swims. Breaststroke is his favorite event, a good fit for someone who enjoys both precision and perseverance.

Hobbies, Pets, and Play

When he’s not coding or studying, Connor likes to unwind with video games. His current favorites are Battlefield 6 and Roblox. That interest in gaming connects naturally to his future goals, since he hopes to make games of his own and explore areas like AI and cybersecurity.

At home, Connor is surrounded by animals. His family’s love of pets, inspired by his mom’s work in animal training, keeps things lively. There’s a black cat named Calypso (or “Kipsy”), a green-cheeked conure named Tiki, several more birds, two dogs, four chickens, fish, and even a hognose snake that lives in his room. Helping care for them all gives him plenty to do and plenty of inspiration.

He also enjoys reading, especially dystopian fiction like The Fifth Wave series. It’s another way he explores big ideas and imaginative worlds, the same creative spark that drives him in coding.

Skills That Go Beyond Code

With every project, Connor is building more than technical skills. He’s learning to think creatively, solve problems with persistence, and share his knowledge with others. His curiosity and focus show in everything he does, from the pool to the classroom to his next line of code. His love of learning will take him far, both inside and outside of programming.

It seems his instructor, Christopher, agrees.

Connor is an amazing student! He always asks thoughtful questions, stays consistently engaged, and goes above and beyond on every project. It’s always a fun class when he’s in it.

Christopher Omundson, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Connor’s Standout Projects

Rock, Paper, Scissors Game

Fortune Cookie Project

Galactic Explorer Game

The post Student Spotlight: Connor appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

When you talk to Aaron McCully, one thing stands out right away: he loves seeing students reach that moment when a tricky concept finally makes sense. For him, teaching is about more than explaining code. It is about helping kids stay confident through challenges and giving them tools to solve problems on their own. Aaron is one of our newer instructors at CodeWizardsHQ, but in a short time he has taught everything from summer camps to core classes, making a big impact along the way.

Discovering Coding Later and Loving It

Aaron’s interest in coding began in high school, a little later than many of the students he teaches today. His school offered a series of four computer science courses, and he jumped in during his junior year. To catch up, he doubled up on classes and finished with a web programming course.

What drew him in was both the subject and the way it was taught. His first computer science teacher set high expectations but made the material exciting and rewarding. “He emphasized that computer science is a very rewarding field,” Aaron said. “Even though he was strict, he kept the class engaging.”

Aaron had always been strong in math, but coding felt different. It turned problem-solving into something tangible and creative. “It felt like the thinking I was doing produced something,” he remembered. That realization shaped his future. By the end of high school, he knew he wanted to study computer science in college.

Shaping a Path Through College

After graduation, Aaron planned his next step carefully. He started at community college, where he explored computer science while also looking into fields that connect technology and design. When it was time to transfer, he chose a program that let him combine coding with courses in cognitive science and design. Those classes helped him think about how people interact with technology and how design shapes the user experience. He also joined a consulting organization and learned to solve problems for real clients.

That mix of coding, design, and problem-solving still shows up in how Aaron approaches teaching. He knows that learning to program is not just about syntax. It is about understanding how people will use what you build.

Finding His Way to CodeWizardsHQ

After earning his degree, Aaron spent some time job searching, recharging after college, and helping his family as they stepped into retirement. Teaching had already been on his mind. His mom spent her career as a special education teacher and encouraged him to consider education. He had also taken a course in education and technology that gave him experience explaining concepts to peers. “I had been told I was good at explaining things,” he said. “I thought, why not try teaching coding and see if it is something I could do well?”

When the opportunity with CodeWizardsHQ came along, it felt like the perfect fit. It gave him a chance to combine his technical skills with the joy of helping students grow.

Teaching at CodeWizardsHQ

Aaron joined during the busy summer season and dove right into a wide range of camps. He taught Fortnite and Roblox game development, as well as AI camps for elementary, middle, and high school students. More recently, he has been teaching Scratch for younger learners and is starting new Intro to Python classes for both middle and high school.

He has also stepped into UI and web programming classes when needed, areas that match his interest in design and user experience. That variety has helped him become comfortable teaching across different skill levels and topics.

When working with younger students, Aaron focuses on connecting what they are doing now to what comes next. “I try to tie the concepts in Scratch to what they will eventually be learning in text-based programming,” he explained. “It helps them see the bigger picture.”

Memorable Teaching Moments

Aaron especially values the times when he can pause and help a concept click for a student or small group. During Scratch lessons, he often looks for ways to connect a visual block to what they will later write in Python or JavaScript. Watching students discover a new feature, add it to their projects, and light up with excitement is one of his favorite parts of teaching.

He also enjoys working with advanced learners who move quickly through material. When that happens, he looks for chances to go deeper, explain how a feature works behind the scenes, and show how it fits into more complex programming. These moments let curious students stretch their skills while staying engaged.

What Makes a Perfect Class

For Aaron, the best classes are the ones where understanding grows and confidence builds. “If a concept is hard, we break it down and take our time,” he said. “It is normal to struggle in computer science. When it clicks later, that is the best part.”

He loves when students start making their own connections, linking a coding idea to something they already know or finding their own solution to a problem. “Sometimes the way they connect the dots is unexpected and really cool to see,” he shared.

A Teacher Who Keeps Learning

Teaching has sharpened Aaron’s own skills as well. Patience is at the top of his list, both with students and himself. He has also found value in revisiting fundamentals. Explaining core concepts again and again highlights small gaps, introduces features he may not have used before, and reinforces important building blocks. “Reviewing fundamentals is always useful,” he said. “You can notice things you had not thought about in a while.”

Students sometimes surprise him with their own approaches too. “They will show me a different way to do something, and it works,” he said. “It keeps things fresh.”

Advice for Parents

When parents wonder whether coding classes are worth it, Aaron points to the way CodeWizardsHQ builds skills step by step. Students can start with fun, visual projects in Scratch, then move into text-based programming like Python and continue through web development and beyond. Each weekly class builds on the last, so students grow steadily in confidence and capability.

“Coding knowledge is useful in almost any field,” he explained. “Even if students do not go into tech, learning to think logically and solve problems will help them in whatever they choose to do.”

Life Beyond the Classroom

Outside of teaching, Aaron is a creator and explorer. Music has been a steady part of his life since grade school, when a teacher introduced him to the Beatles and their films. At home, his family has turned the garage into a music room filled with instruments. Aaron plays piano, mostly for fun, and recently joined one of his dad’s weekend jam sessions for the first time.

He also stays active. In college he spent time weightlifting, and now he mixes biking, hiking, and casual tennis with a friend. Riding long distances, exploring trails, and rallying on a tennis court are favorite ways to recharge and balance screen time.

Aaron enjoys building tech projects for his home, too. One favorite is a voice-activated smart mirror that shows time, weather, quotes, music, and even videos during the morning routine. He is now planning a wall-mounted home dashboard with an AI assistant to connect everything in one place. It is the perfect blend of programming, design, and practical problem-solving.

Gaming is another passion. Aaron loves the fast pace of first-person shooters like Valorant and Overwatch and enjoys immersive story games such as the Batman Arkham series and Subnautica. The focus and strategy required feel a lot like solving a coding problem.

Inspiring the Next Generation

In just a few months at CodeWizardsHQ, Aaron has taught students across ages and skill levels. He has introduced brand-new coders to their first loops, guided advanced learners into deeper understanding, and helped summer camps run smoothly and creatively. Through it all, he keeps the focus on growth and the excitement of figuring things out.

“It is normal to struggle in computer science,” Aaron said. “When we slow down, connect the dots, and keep practicing, it clicks. That is when the fun starts.”

The post Instructor Spotlight: Aaron McCully appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Kayla is an imaginative and determined CodeWizardsHQ student who loves turning ideas into interactive projects. Now an eighth grader, she has already built a variety of creative games and apps, each showing her curiosity and problem-solving skills. Beyond coding, she brings the same drive to music, sports, and even running a small business with her family.

Discovering Coding

Kayla’s first interest in coding started at home. Her aunt, a software engineer, often shared games and activities that made programming feel fun and approachable. “Throughout my childhood, she’s given me games and coding things that I’ve enjoyed,” Kayla recalled. One favorite was a set of blocks that could be arranged to control a little monster on the screen. “You’d put them in an order, press play, and the monster would go around and eat strawberries.”

School offered a brief introduction, too. In elementary school Kayla took part in a Scratch unit where she created simple games. That only fueled her curiosity. She wanted to move beyond block-based coding and learn real programming languages.

Her mom had also been thinking about how important it would be for her daughters to have coding skills. “I started looking online and tried sending them to different camps and classes, but none of them were quite the whole package,” she explained. “A lot only taught one language or were very adult-oriented. CodeWizardsHQ was exactly what I was looking for because it is kid-focused and also covers different languages and skills.”

She quickly noticed how well the program engaged both girls. “Their instructor was very dynamic and inspiring,” she said. “And the fun things like tokens and badges really motivate them. Beyond the fun, they leave each lesson feeling proud of what they’ve built.”

Diving Into Projects

Kayla is now in her third CodeWizardsHQ course, Webpages with HTML & CSS, and has already built an impressive range of projects. One favorite was a modified Rock-Paper-Scissors game in Python. While learning about functions and simplifying code, she added her own twist: five choices instead of the usual three. “I made it so there were five options, like bunny and carrot,” she explained. “And if you lost, you couldn’t pick that option again.”

She also took inspiration from one of her favorite real-life games, One Night Werewolf. “I really like playing One Night Werewolf, so I wanted to code it,” Kayla said. Turning a complex, role-based party game into an interactive digital experience was challenging but fun. “It was really fun to see a game I like playing come alive with my coding.”

Another standout was a role-playing adventure where a character explores a cave, collects resources, fights monsters, and searches for treasure. These kinds of projects have shown Kayla how rewarding it can be to go beyond the basics and create something original. “I love discovering new ways to surprise the user,” she said. “It’s exciting when the code changes based on their answers and they become part of it.”

Learning and Growing

Kayla says one of the best parts of her coding journey so far has been learning how to make programs interactive. She has discovered how to take an idea and shape it into something that responds to the user in unexpected ways.

Looking ahead, Kayla wants to keep expanding her abilities and eventually bring her own app ideas to life. “I’d like to maybe start a business with my sister where we make different apps, some just for fun and others that make a difference for people,” she said. She does not know yet if she will turn coding into a career, but she is glad to have the option. For now, she is focused on building a strong foundation and experimenting with creative ideas.

Her mom has noticed the confidence that comes from this kind of learning. Each time Kayla finishes a lesson or homework assignment, she is eager to show what she made. Her mom often sits down to play the games or try the apps herself. “She really enjoys it,” she said. “And she’s proud of what she’s creating.”

Life Beyond Coding

Kayla’s talents extend far beyond the computer screen. Music is a big part of her life, and she’s been playing the flute for three years. Band gives her a chance to work with friends and create something beautiful together. “I get to work with different people and my friends to create really beautiful music. I think the flute is one of the prettiest instruments in the band.”

She is also a dedicated tennis player who trains at an intensive academy and competes in regional tournaments. Tennis has been part of her life since she was about seven years old and continues to be a favorite way to stay active. Winning tournaments has been especially rewarding.

Language learning is another interest. Kayla studies Chinese through an online course, adding an international perspective to her already wide-ranging activities.

And then there’s her entrepreneurial side. Kayla, her mom, and her sister run a small crochet business. They design and sell handmade creatures paired with positive, encouraging sayings. One of Kayla’s favorites is a crocheted toucan with the phrase “Toucan Do It.” Many customers request custom designs, and the family enjoys turning those ideas into finished products. “It’s really fun and cool to see what people come up with and add it to what we can sell,” Kayla said.

When she’s not busy coding, practicing music, or training, Kayla loves reading mystery and fantasy novels and spending time with friends.

Looking Ahead

Kayla’s journey shows what can happen when curiosity and creativity meet opportunity. She’s exploring programming step by step, building projects that challenge her thinking, and finding new ways to apply what she learns. Along the way she’s also developing persistence, problem-solving skills, and confidence, qualities that carry into everything she does, from tennis and music to running a small business.

CodeWizardsHQ is proud to celebrate students like Kayla, who combine technical skill with imagination and a love of learning. She’s showing that coding can be both fun and powerful, opening doors to future possibilities.

It seems her instructor Josh agrees:

I had the pleasure of working with Kayla last summer in our Intro to Python and Beyond Basics. She consistently went above and beyond on every project. Kayla set the tone for the class and inspired other students to push themselves as well. By the end of Beyond Basics, many students were tackling programming concepts beyond the usual level we teach at CodeWizardsHQ, and Kayla was an integral part of making that happen.

Josh Ennis, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Kayla’s Standout Projects

Rock, Paper, Scissors Game With a Twist

One Night Werewolf

Adventure Game

The post Student Spotlight: Kayla appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

Getting into college is more competitive than ever. Good grades and strong test scores remain essential, but they’re often just the starting point in a highly competitive admissions process. What does stand out? Real-world experience, clear goals, and skills that go beyond the classroom.

That’s why smart students (and families) are starting early with internships. This guide breaks down how internships help with college admissions by focusing on five key ways students grow through the experience:

• Gaining real-world experience that helps them stand out
• Clarifying academic and career goals through hands-on exploration
• Building the soft skills colleges value most
• Connecting classroom learning to practical application
• Forming meaningful relationships that support future success

Each of these elements plays a powerful role in shaping a compelling and authentic college application. Let’s take a closer look at how internships prepare students for the road ahead.

Stand Out With Real-World Experience

An internship is a powerful signal to admissions officers that you’re proactive, responsible, and ready to take on new challenges. It shows that you’ve gone beyond high school expectations and sought out opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow.

Whether you’re helping redesign a website, supporting a nonprofit, or assisting in a research lab, your experience tells colleges you’re not just preparing for the future; you’re already living it.

Action Step: Identify one or two fields you’re curious about and search for local or virtual internships where you can gain hands-on experience.

Clarify Your Academic and Career Goals

High school is the perfect time to explore different career paths. Internships allow you to test your interests in the real world, helping you figure out what truly excites you (and what doesn’t).

This clarity pays off when you’re writing college essays or selecting majors. Instead of vague interest statements, you’ll be able to say, “Here’s what I did, what I learned, and why I’m passionate about this field.”

Action Step: After each internship experience, jot down reflections on what you liked, what challenged you, and how it connects to your future plans.

Build the Skills Colleges Really Care About

Internships are a crash course in essential soft skills: communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and leadership. These are the skills that help students succeed in college group projects, research teams, and student organizations.

When you walk into an interview or write a personal statement, you’ll have concrete examples of how you’ve developed these traits in real work environments.

Action Step: Keep a running list of examples where you demonstrated soft skills during your internship to reference in essays and interviews.

Apply What You Learn in Class

Internships don’t just reinforce what you learn in school; they help you demonstrate it. When you can show how your academic knowledge translates into a real contribution, you give admissions officers something concrete to remember. Whether you built a working app in Python or contributed to data collection in a lab, applying what you’ve learned shows that you’re capable of turning theory into impact.

This kind of crossover between classroom and internship experience can give your college essays more depth and your interviews more credibility. It’s evidence that you’re already thinking like a college student and engaging with learning at a higher level.

Action Step: Make connections between your internship tasks and your school subjects. Note how what you’re learning is being used in real life.

Build Meaningful Relationships

Internships connect you with mentors, supervisors, and peers who can support your growth far beyond the program. These are the people who can write letters of recommendation, offer career advice, and open doors to future opportunities.

Building a professional network early gives you a head start on the relationships that matter in college and beyond.

Action Step: Stay in touch with your internship mentors or supervisors and ask if they’re open to offering advice or a future letter of recommendation.

Next Steps: Make It Count

If you’re exploring internship options, look for opportunities that let you contribute meaningfully, grow your skills, and reflect on your experience. The right internship can shape not just your application, but your direction.

For students interested in technology, the CodeWizardsHQ High School Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience. You’ll work on real coding projects for a nonprofit, collaborate with a team, and build a portfolio that showcases your abilities. It’s designed to help you succeed in college and beyond.

No matter your path, one great internship can set you up for a future full of possibilities.

The post 5 Ways a High School Internship Boosts Your College Application appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

When you meet Amarillo Ramirez, one thing becomes immediately clear: he’s passionate about creating, whether that’s through robotics, coding, or his artwork. Amarillo has been teaching with CodeWizardsHQ for just over a year, and in that time he has inspired students across elementary, middle, and high school classes with his enthusiasm and creativity.

From Robotics to Coding

Amarillo’s journey into technology began with his high school robotics team. His brothers and dad joined first, and it quickly became a shared adventure. Traveling to competitions, seeing other teams’ impressive robots, and working hands-on with mechanical and electrical systems lit the spark for him.

“Getting to see all the other teams’ robots and just how huge and complicated they could be was amazing,” he remembered. “At that point I was just like, ‘Oh, this is something that I’m also kind of interested in.'”

Over time, Amarillo discovered that while he loved every aspect of robotics, coding held a special place. “When it comes to the detail and the nitty-gritty stuff, I grasp coding concepts a lot easier,” he explained. He became fascinated not just with robotics programming but also with retro video game coding, diving deep into how developers worked wonders with limited hardware on systems like the Game Boy and Atari. “I get super into that stuff,” he said.

Education and Professional Path

Born and raised in New Mexico, Amarillo pursued his interest all the way to Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in robotics engineering. Thanks to dual-credit classes in high school, he graduated early and gained valuable experience along the way.

He interned with a company that later hired him as a software developer. While he enjoyed the supportive environment, he realized he wanted something more fulfilling. He thought back to the joy he found in mentoring younger students during his robotics days. Teaching coding felt like the perfect fit.

“When I was in my high school robotics team, they really encouraged us to mentor elementary and middle school Lego robotics teams,” Amarillo recalled. “I mentored three different teams on my own and helped several others with their projects. That planted the seed for me. I realized I actually really enjoy teaching these concepts to younger kids.”

Teaching at CodeWizardsHQ

At CodeWizardsHQ, Amarillo teaches a wide range of classes: Scratch, Python, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, as well as high school-level courses with APIs and Flask. While he enjoys teaching all age groups, his favorites are Scratch and web development courses. His love for the arts shines through here. He’s an artist himself, and he loves helping students express their creativity in code.

“I really like the Scratch courses because students get so creative with their projects. You can tell they’re having fun, and that makes teaching incredibly rewarding,” he said.

Amarillo especially appreciates working with elementary students. “They aren’t really self-conscious,” he explained. “They just say what they feel, and they’re excited to share. That openness makes it easier to keep momentum in class, and it encourages creativity.”

Memorable Student Moments

One of Amarillo’s favorite parts of teaching is watching students surprise themselves with what they can create. “My memorable moments are when students kind of go above and beyond,” he said. “You can tell when they’re really having fun with their projects, when they’re not just doing the assignment but taking it further to make it their own. That’s when you see their passion come alive.”

He shared that Scratch projects, in particular, often bring out this creativity. Students will add original art, animations, or extra features that weren’t part of the instructions simply because they’re excited about the possibilities. “Those are the classes I really enjoy,” Amarillo said. “When students are enjoying themselves, that energy spreads and makes the whole class better.”

A Teacher Who Learns Too

Teaching has given Amarillo new skills as well. He’s learned the importance of finding different ways to explain the same concept so every student can connect with it. “Sometimes the way I explain something doesn’t quite work for a student, and that’s okay,” he said. “Finding different ways to describe a concept until it clicks is really important. Everyone learns differently.”

His advice for parents considering coding education is simple but powerful: start early. “Even if it’s just the basics—loops, if-else statements, or simple projects—getting kids started when they’re young makes such a difference later,” Amarillo shared. “Scratch is a great way to get kids interested, and Lego robotics can also build that foundation. Anything that sparks curiosity early on will pay off later.”

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of teaching, Amarillo is just as creative. He’s an artist who enjoys drawing character designs, streaming with a virtual avatar he created himself, and participating in online art communities. Pokémon fan art, anthropomorphic character design, and creative projects tied to his hobbies all find their way into his sketchbook. “Recently I’ve gotten into more anthropomorphic character design, and it’s been a lot of fun,” he said. One day, he hopes to bring his work to artist alleys or local markets.

He also loves playing video games, tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons (where he serves as Dungeon Master for a Hogwarts-themed campaign), and spending time with friends. His cat, Honey, and his parents’ spirited Chihuahua, Taz, round out his busy and creative life.

Inspiring the Next Generation

From robotics competitions to online classrooms, Amarillo’s path has always been about building and sharing. Today, his students benefit from that journey as he encourages them to experiment, create, and discover their own love of coding.

Amarillo’s story is a great reminder of how diverse experiences in engineering, art, and teaching can come together to make an extraordinary impact. His students see not just a coding instructor but a mentor who believes in their creativity and encourages them to go above and beyond.

The post Instructor Spotlight: Amarillo Ramirez appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

At just 12 years old, Charvi is already proving that she’s a multi-talented student with a love of learning, creativity, and competition. A rising 7th grader, she has built an impressive portfolio of coding projects while also excelling in music, sports, and chess.

Her projects show both technical skill and imagination, blending logic with design, while her accomplishments outside of coding highlight her drive to succeed in many areas. Whether she’s building a game, performing on the piano, or competing in tournaments, Charvi brings the same focus and curiosity to everything she does.

Discovering Coding Early

Charvi’s interest in coding began around 3rd grade when she took a Scratch course through Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. “I was doing a Scratch course, and then I wondered, what goes on behind the scenes? How is this working? Then I got interested in writing code,” she explained.

It didn’t take long for Charvi’s curiosity to outgrow block-based coding. “After doing the class, she pretty much got bored with Scratch. She wanted to learn real coding,” her dad explained. While searching for the right program, he prioritized smaller class sizes and strong instructors. “CodeWizards pretty much matched what we wanted,” he said. “Her instructor, Josh, is an amazing teacher. Keeping a 6th grader interested in coding takes real talent, and he does that very well.”

Diving Into Projects

Charvi started her journey at CodeWizardsHQ in Middle School Introduction to Python and quickly began creating projects that stood out. One of her earliest favorites was Dinosaur Catcher, followed by a customized Rock Paper Scissors game where she added a unique charades twist.

She also built a Wizard Quest project, enhancing it with her own “battle” function, and later a JavaScript timer project where she added a stopwatch feature. Her standout creation, though, is Guards of Dragono, a project that combined AI-generated artwork, CSS design, and her growing coding skills into something truly original.

“I love CSS,” Charvi said. “I like how CSS can have design qualities, but I also like how Python has logic and can actually do cool stuff.”

She even experimented with AI tools to create her project images: “I had to have 20 tries to get the right image.” That persistence paid off, and the results are both beautiful and original.

A Passion for Learning

Beyond her projects, Charvi is motivated to keep growing her skills. She enjoys data structures and JavaScript time functions and is already looking ahead. “I want to learn data structures like trees. I don’t know them yet, but I’m excited to,” she said. She’s eager to learn more about algorithms and expand her knowledge.

Her love of coding extends to her classmates, too. “I really love my classmates. I’ve been with them since I started,” she said.

Activities Beyond Coding

Charvi’s talents don’t stop at the keyboard. She has a long list of activities she enjoys, from tennis and swimming to piano, cello, chess, and sketching. She also creates her own neighborhood newspaper, which shares world and science news. “We try to remain unbiased,” she explained.

Sports play an important role in Charvi’s routine. She has been playing tennis for 4 to 5 years and competes in club tournaments. Swimming has also been a part of her schedule, with year-round training when time allows. Her dad explained, “My philosophy is go for tennis, go for swimming, and stay healthy. You’ll need a healthy body to have a healthy mind and focus on coding, math, and science. Health is the most important piece.”

Chess has been one of her strongest competitive outlets. She plays with Beyond Chess and has traveled to tournaments in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. She competes in both local and national events, including the US Chess Association’s scholastic division, and has earned a number of trophies over the years. Most recently, she won first place in her age group at the Southern California Scholastic Chess Championship, a highlight in a growing list of accomplishments.

Music is another passion. She’s been playing piano since she was six and cello since fourth grade. She competes in piano performances. “I feel more natural with piano, but I just like sitting with cello,” she shared.

And when she wants to relax, she enjoys fantasy novels like Percy Jackson, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Artemis Fowl, and Harry Potter, as well as science magazines. She also loves sketching, especially fashion designs and dragons, and spending time with her English Lab, Annie.

Looking Ahead

Charvi is excited about the future of her coding journey. “Maybe developing AI, building games, making my own website,” she said about her goals. She also wants to use coding to support her entrepreneurial projects, like boosting her neighborhood newspaper.

With her drive to explore, create, and compete, Charvi is already making her mark. From winning chess championships to designing AI-enhanced coding projects, she is showing the world what’s possible when curiosity and determination come together. Her instructor, Josh, sees that same spark in her work and shared his thoughts:

Charvi is such a pleasure to work with. She is positive and outgoing, and she makes the class an engaging and fun place for everyone. She always goes above and beyond in her projects, taking them to another level. Charvi asks insightful questions, helps her classmates both in class and in the forum, and answers with clarity and confidence. She brings out the best in those around her and raises the bar with every project.

Josh Ennis, CodeWizardsHQ Instructor

Charvi’s Standout Projects

Dino Catcher Game

Timer Project

Guards of Dragono

The post Student Spotlight: Charvi appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.

When Hayley Christianson first joined CodeWizardsHQ, she wasn’t leading classes or walking students through lines of code. Instead, she was answering their parents’ questions in customer service. But behind the scenes, she was already deeply passionate about coding, helping others, and building a life that blended creativity, logic, and human connection.

“This month is my one-year anniversary of being an instructor,” she said. “The first two years at CodeWizards, I was in customer service.”

That customer service background gives Hayley a unique perspective on the parent experience and on the importance of support in a student’s journey. Today, she teaches full-time and brings that same sense of care and communication into every class she leads.

Discovering the Power of Code

Hayley’s path to coding wasn’t a straight line. In high school, she thought she might become an archaeologist or a writer. Then she discovered a computer science course.

“I was one of maybe two or three girls in the class. None of the kids were really interested, except maybe three or four that were like, ‘Oh, this is really neat.’”

But Hayley saw something more. “How I describe coding to somebody is taking your ideas, taking your imagination, and using a bit of math, a bit of logic, a bit of science, and transforming that into whatever you want,” she said. “If you have the passion, the drive, and of course the imagination, you can do anything with coding.”

Her enthusiasm led to a competitive Google internship, where she commuted four hours a day for three weeks to learn multiple coding languages and build functioning websites.

She later enrolled at the University of Illinois at Chicago, initially as a major in computer science and engineering. During the pandemic, she shifted to a dual major in computer science and linguistics. “There’s a scientific element to language,” she explained. “Syntax, phonetics, audiovisual—there’s so much interesting development in that.” She is currently pursuing her degree part-time while teaching.

Joining CodeWizardsHQ

After working in university research, Hayley was looking for something more fulfilling. She applied to CodeWizardsHQ.

“I wanted to do something where I could help people in some way,” she said. “When I found the customer service position, I was like, ‘Wait, but teaching kids about coding? That’s so cool.’”

She spent two years on the support team before transitioning into a teaching role. “Wild, but amazing,” is how she described the switch.

Now she teaches across all grade levels and has led classes in everything from AI to capstones. She especially values the small class sizes at CodeWizardsHQ. “You can really have that relationship with the students and inspire them to learn how to code,” she said.

A Philosophy of Empowerment

Hayley’s teaching style is all about giving students room to explore, think independently, and be themselves.

“Ever since I was little, I enjoyed tutoring,” she said. “I still remember very well my first coding instructor, my high school teacher. And all I can imagine is this will inspire kids to really go and try something new.”

One way she supports creative thinking is through how she treats coding syntax. “With my elementary and middle school students, I make it a point: name your variables whatever you like,” she said. “Sometimes it helps me if it describes what the variable does, but if you want it to be silly, go right ahead.”

That balance between structure and freedom shows up in her favorite classes, too. Hayley loves teaching capstone classes.

“It stops the handholding,” she explained. “There’s a point where you have to start thinking for yourself as a student. It really goes from learning to mastering what they’ve learned.”

Her goal is to support students while encouraging critical thinking. “I’ll talk about it, maybe I’ll reiterate it in a couple of different ways. But I want to see what progress they have, or what thought process they’re trying to create. That gives me a sense of where they are and how I can help guide them.”

A Human Connection

While her technical background is strong, it’s Hayley’s ability to connect with students that sets her apart. She encourages students to engage in ways that feel comfortable for them and makes sure her classroom feels welcoming.

“One of my favorite moments is seeing students help other students,” she said. “It shows that instead of us just being a class with an instructor and students, it’s ‘Let’s work together as a class.'”

She especially values the moments when her students collaborate and take ownership of the learning process. Whether it’s troubleshooting code together, offering advice, or celebrating each other’s creativity, Hayley finds meaning in their growth. “Listening to the students, hearing what they have to say, and then applying it to my teaching—that’s my favorite part,” she said.

Beyond the Screen

Outside the classroom, Hayley balances online work with offline creativity. “This year I’ve learned how to crochet,” she said. “Tangible, off the screen—that’s been my goal this year.”

She’s also been folding origami stars as a way to stay focused and calm. “I try to take my anxieties or fidgets, any of my worries, and try to transfer them into something more productive,” she said. A tray next to her desk is filled with colorful stars. Her 15-year-old dog, Trixie, often curls up on a little couch next to her while she teaches, keeping her company as she works.

Hayley is also a gamer with years of experience in Minecraft, League of Legends, Valorant, Fortnite, and more. She even served as president of her university’s competitive gaming club. That gaming background helps her connect with students. “Most games, if not the majority of games, I’ve at least heard of, if not played myself,” she said. “In some way, I can relate to a student.”

Advice for Parents and Students

With three years at CodeWizardsHQ and experience in both customer service and teaching, Hayley has a strong endorsement for the program.

“A thousand percent, no matter what age,” she said. “Even if you’ve just learned a little bit of coding, it can help you in today’s day and age tremendously. It gets you to think outside the box.”

She wishes she had access to a program like CodeWizardsHQ when she was younger. “Even if it’s not something you want to do for the rest of your life, having that knowledge can be helpful no matter what field you go into,” she said.

A Lasting Impact

Hayley’s goal is to create an environment where students feel seen, supported, and capable.

“I am challenged every day in different ways,” she said. “But I always try to show up for my students. Even if I’m having an off day, how can I not show that off to the students? I want them to see that I’m here for them.” 

Her classroom is full of cheer, creativity, and collaboration. Whether students are naming variables after potatoes or solving syntax bugs together, Hayley is cheering them on and guiding them forward.

“We all come from different walks of life. We come together with this common goal of being able to teach something that is so amazing to the next generation.”

The post Instructor Spotlight Hayley Christianson appeared first on CodeWizardsHQ.