Teaching Python

We're two middle school teachers learning and teaching Python

About the show

Welcome to "Teaching Python Podcast,” the go-to podcast for anyone interested in the intersection of education and coding. Hosted by Kelly Paredes and Sean Tibor, this podcast dives into the thrills and challenges of teaching middle school computer science through the engaging and versatile Python programming language.

About the Hosts:

  • Kelly Paredes brings a wealth of global experience in curriculum design and currently inspires sixth and eighth graders at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Celebrating her seventh year of integrating Python into her teaching, Kelly has a knack for making complex concepts accessible and exciting.
  • Sean Tibor, a Senior Cloud Engineer at Mondelez International, draws from a rich background that spans marketing, database design, and digital agency leadership. Having taught Python to seventh and eighth graders at Pine Crest School, Sean now extends his expertise by supporting interns and tutoring students in Python.

Explore with Us:

  • Engaging Lessons: Discover how we make Python programming both fun and accessible for young learners, equipping them with the skills to tackle real-world problems.
  • Classroom Insights: Experience our journey through both triumphs and trials in the classroom, and learn what it takes to foster a vibrant learning environment.
  • Expert Interviews: Gain valuable perspectives from interviews with fellow educators and industry experts, who share their top strategies and success stories in coding education.

Teaching Python on social media

Episodes

  • Episode 135: Python for Lawyers

    July 8th, 2024  |  51 mins 31 secs
    law school, python, teaching

    In this episode of Teaching Python, Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes discuss the integration of Python programming into the law curriculum at Duquesne University with guests Morgan Gray and Wes Oliver. They explore how learning Python enhances law students' critical thinking, information processing, and overall effectiveness in their legal studies and careers.

  • Episode 134: Interview with Jay Miller

    June 30th, 2024  |  1 hr 7 mins
    developers, diversity, inclusion

    In this episode, we interview Jay Miller, founder of Black Python Devs. We discuss various topics, including the development of Black Python Devs, the role of developers of diverse backgrounds in the tech industry, and how to create inclusive environments for tech professionals.

  • Episode 133: Live from PyCon 2024

    June 12th, 2024  |  32 mins 34 secs
    coding, community building, computer science, conference experiences, educational challenges, educators, kelly schuster-paredes, programming education, promoting stem, pycon us 2024, python community, python conference, python education summit, python events, python podcasts, rust language, sean tibor, teacher development, teaching python, technology conferences.

    In this special episode of Teaching Python, Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes discuss their experiences at PyCon US 2024, highlighting the role and presence of educators. They talk about the unique challenges educators face in attending such conferences, including financial, time, and imposter syndrome barriers. The episode features audience insights and explores ways to support more educators in participating, such as travel grants and increased awareness. This lively discussion aims to foster connections and encourage more educators to integrate into the Python community.

  • Episode 132: Getting Non-Coding Teachers into CS

    May 28th, 2024  |  38 mins 51 secs
    coding, hardware, imagi, python, teaching

    In this episode, we explore the journey of non-coding teachers into the world of coding and how innovative tools can bridge the gap. Experts Dora Palfi and Chelsea Clagg share their insights and experiences, showcasing how coding can be made accessible and enjoyable for educators and students alike.

  • Episode 131: Lightning Talks

    May 14th, 2024  |  41 mins 28 secs
    creative teaching, education technology, pedagogy, public speaking, python

    Episode 131 of Teaching Python dives into the engaging world of Lightning Talks, exploring their definition, benefits, and how they can be effectively incorporated into classroom settings. Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes share their experiences and insights on making these short presentations a tool for fostering public speaking skills, enhancing student engagement, and encouraging the sharing of ideas both in educational and professional contexts.

  • Episode 130: Coding is Dead?

    April 28th, 2024  |  1 hr 5 mins
    artificial intelligence, panel, python

    Join Kelly, Sean, and a panel of special guests for a compelling conversation on the significance of communication skills and domain-specific creativity in coding for AI. Discover how leveraging GPT models can enhance development efficiency and drive aspiring developers toward specialized fields like biology and finance. Is coding essential in a generative AI-driven world?

  • Episode 129: Quickbite: Live Coding and Codealongs

    March 29th, 2024  |  26 mins 26 secs
    coding, quickbite, teaching

    Join Sean and Kelly as they discuss the advantages of live coding in education, including active learning, improved problem-solving, and building student confidence, while addressing challenges and sharing upcoming educational summit announcements.

  • Episode 128: From Blocks to Code with PickCode

    March 24th, 2024  |  41 mins 46 secs
    block coding, education, text coding

    In this episode of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes explore the transition from block to text coding with guest Charlie Meyer, co-founder and CEO of Pick Code. The discussion delves into the importance of making coding engaging and accessible for learners, alongside sharing personal coding stories and insights into teaching methodologies and tools designed to foster confidence and fun in coding education.

  • Episode 127: Setting Goals

    March 2nd, 2024  |  25 mins 48 secs
    goals, quickbites, teaching

    In this quick bite episode, Kelly and Sean talk about how to set goals as a learner, teacher, and leader. What makes a good goal? Why do we even need them?

  • Episode 126: Projects and Portfolios

    February 19th, 2024  |  25 mins 42 secs
    learning, portfolios, projects

    In this episode of the "Teaching Python" podcast, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes dive into the world of projects and portfolios for young coders. They explore the significance of showcasing coding skills, creativity, and personal growth through portfolios, offering invaluable insights for students and educators alike. Tune in to gain valuable tips on standing out in college admissions and job applications!

  • Episode 125: Microlearning

    February 5th, 2024  |  36 mins 42 secs

    In this episode, co-hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes explore the concept and benefits of microlearning in both settings of K-12 education and professional development. They discuss methods such as interleaved learning, offering varied learning materials, providing immediate feedback, and gamification, highlighting how these techniques promote engagement and enhance retention toward achieving both personal and professional growth.

  • Episode 124: Motivated with Coding in the World of AI

    January 14th, 2024  |  49 mins 9 secs
    ai, mindset, motivation

    In this episode, hosts Sean and Kelly discuss various strategies for staying engaged and motivated in coding while using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Chat GPT. From ethical discussions and exercising critical thinking to fostering creativity and reading documentation through the lens of AI, they explore different ways of leveraging AI to enhance learning and engagement in the classroom and beyond. Towards the end, they emphasize the significance of 'walking away', taking a break and letting the mind rejuvenate as a crucial part of maintaining high engagement levels in coding.