Do Something Big!

Meet Annie

We’ve been following Annie since she first attended iD Tech Camps in 2000. She loved iD so much that she came back to work for us as Lead Instructor, and soon, a Director! Now she’s become an accomplished high school technology teacher and is spreading her love for technology to her students.

iD: What’s your hometown and state?
Annie: Monument, Colorado

iD: What locations did you teach/work at?
A: I have taught at Pepperdine University, Southern Methodist University, Colorado College and Northwestern University.

iD: How many years at iD (attending and/or working)? When?
A: I just completed my fourth summer working with iD Tech, and I also attended one summer as a camper in 2000. iD Tech Camps was my first exposure to web design and digital video. I loved it so much that I took high school computer classes and ended up studying computer science in college. When I was looking for a summer job, it was an obvious choice to work at iD Tech!

iD: What did you teach at iD/what was your position?
A: I have taught almost every class! My favorites are programming, robotics, web design and video game creation. I was a Lead Instructor for two summers at Pepperdine and Colorado College. I also directed a full summer session at Colorado College and a week at Northwestern.

iD: What made you want to attend iD-and then work for iD?
A: When I was in middle school, I loved acting and was very creative. As a camper, I attended the digital video course at iD Tech and loved it so much that I signed up for web design too! It was a great fit for me when I was younger, because I could be so creative while learning practical skills! Now, I love computers and I love teaching, so iD is a perfect fit!

iD: What are your favorite things about our summer camp?
A: I love everything about camp! I love teaching in such a fun and goofy environment. There is a perfect balance between having fun and being safe. iD Tech does such a great job training, so I always know how to handle various situations.

iD: Is iD Tech Camps a good place for girls to attend? Why?
A: iD Tech is a great place for girls (and boys, of course)! There are so many opportunities to be creative with computers. It’s also a great way to meet friends and learn about computer-related careers.

iD: What college did you attend? What was your major?
A: I attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. I graduated with a B.S. in computer science in 2007.

iD: What is your current position?
A: I teach high school technology at a charter school in Colorado.

iD: What do you like best about your current job?
A: I love working with students and teaching about computers. I get such a high seeing the progress that students make each semester. They come to class knowing very little about a topic and leave with the skills to create professional-quality work. It’s amazing!

iD: How did iD Tech Camps prepare you for your current position?
A: iD Tech gave me the best teacher training I can imagine! They taught me how to make learning fun, so that students are engaged in what I’m teaching. I also learned that building a relationship with my students is one of the most important things.

iD: How has iD inspired you?
A: When I first started instructing at iD Tech, I was studying computer science and planning to go into software development. I knew I enjoyed teaching, but I didn’t realize that I LOVE teaching until camp! It completely changed my career path. Camp has also inspired me to be the very best teacher and person possible. iD Tech creates an atmosphere of high expectations. I feel motivated, but never pushed and it brings out the best in me.

iD: Is iD a good place to make friends? Why?
A: Camp creates a sense of community around a shared interest, and students have lots of opportunities to meet others. There’s a mix of computer and non-computer activities, so there’s something for everyone!

iD: What’s your favorite tech gadget?
A: I love my iPhone! It’s like always having my computer with me… and I love the Maps feature because I’m always getting lost!

iD: How has iD helped you improve in other aspects of your life besides technology?
A: I’m a high school technology teacher now. iD Tech provides such great training that I have learned more about how to teach from camp than I ever did in my education courses! I use techniques from camp in my classroom all year!

iD: What do you do for fun when you aren’t at our computer camp?
A: When I’m not at camp, I love working with my high school students. I coach the high school robotics team and also train other teachers to incorporate technology into their classes.

iD: What’s the #1 way you communicate with your friends?
A: I communicate with my friends most often via e-mail. With long distance friends I usually prefer to talk on the phone.

iD: Do you plan to work for iD again in the future?
A: One of my favorite parts of being a professional teacher is that it allows me to work with iD Tech every summer! I can’t imagine life without camp!

iD: Any tips for incoming campers or staff?
A: I would suggest to new staff that they work really hard before camp. If you put in the time upfront to master your curriculum and learn all the camp policies, when you get to camp you can focus on having a great a time teaching!

Check out some of the cool courses Annie mentioned. Register early and do something big this summer!