Reach Cyber Charter School Blog Meet Mrs. Horn: A Passion for Teaching and Technology

Inspiring the Next Generation of Coders: Meet Mrs. Horn, Reach Cyber Charter School's Computer Science Teacher
Explore Computer Science at Reach Cyber Charter School
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Inspiring the Next Generation of Coders: Meet Mrs. Horn, Reach Cyber Charter School's Computer Science Teacher

For nearly four decades, Mrs. Horn has been lighting the spark of learning in students through her love for computer science and STEM education. Currently serving as the High School Electives Teacher at Reach Cyber Charter School, Mrs. Horn teaches a full slate of Computer Science courses for students in grades 4-12, helping them explore coding, robotics, web design, and physical computing.

Her journey into teaching began in 1983, when she taught computer science at a post-high school technical institute. After years spent homeschooling her children, and teaching computer science to homeschool students and parents, she transitioned into online education. When her youngest child enrolled in a cyber school, she was inspired by the potential of virtual learning and pursued her Pennsylvania State Certification in Mathematics in 2011. Mrs. Horn joined Reach Cyber Charter School in 2017 and later earned her Pennsylvania Computer Science Certification when it was first introduced.

"The very first moment at my hiring interview I felt like I was home," Mrs. Horn shared. "The atmosphere here is the most positive one that I have ever encountered in a workplace. I feel that we are treated like the professionals we are, and I have the best colleagues."

Building Future Innovators Through Hands-On Learning

Mrs. Horn's classes are anything but ordinary. She teaches eight different Computer Science courses, six of which focus on coding with physical computing- allowing students to see how code interacts with the real world. From Raspberry Pi and Arduino projects to web design and circuit building, her students develop real-world skills through experimentation and creativity.

In middle school, students take an course called Explore Computer Science which includes an introduction to web design and physical computing, learning how circuits and code can make things happen. As they advance into high school, they take on more complex projects aligned with their personal interests, preparing them for college and STEM careers.

Mrs. Horn loves that she gets to see her students grow year after year:

"Many students take courses with me for many years, so I start each year already having a connection with many. It's a thrill to watch them grow, but so sad to see them leave."

Encouraging Curiosity and Challenge: A Story of Student Success

One of Mrs. Horn's high school students, Dominic, is a perfect example of how she nurtures curiosity and growth. After mastering both Raspberry Pi courses, he found the lessons so simple that he challenged himself to make them harder! Now, he's completing a series of 15 Arduino projects, one per week, and plans to take the Arduino Certification Test at the end.

When Dominic ran into trouble connecting his program to Arduino, Mrs. Horn worked with him to troubleshoot until the issue was solved- proving her belief that teaching is about encouragement and exploration, not limitation.

"I don't see myself as an expert," she explained. "I see myself as a cheerleader. I'm here to inspire kids and not limit them."

STEM Camps and Beyond: Bringing Learning to Life

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Horn runs two exciting STEM camps each year:

Coding Competition Camp in partnership with Lockheed Martin
Drone Camp, co-run with fellow teachers Mrs. McGahee and Mrs. Simko

These programs help students see that coding isn't scary- it's empowering. She also works with gifted 4th and 5th graders through Brown Dog Gadgets' circuits curriculum, where students learn about voltage, electricity, and coding with conductive tape and micro:bits to bring their creations to life.

Currently, Mrs. Horn and Mrs. McGahee are taking CSinPA's FAA Part 107 Drone Certification course to become certified drone pilots. Their goal is to bring a Drone Pilot Certification course to Reach Cyber students, a new addition to the school's ever-growing STEM opportunities.

Decades of Dedication and Lifelong Learning

Mrs. Horn's lifelong commitment to education makes her one of the most experienced teachers at Reach Cyber Charter School. In fact, during a recent professional development session, she learned that she has worked in education longer than anyone else at Reach.

Her proudest academic accomplishment? Earning her master's degree at age 60, followed by her Pennsylvania Computer Science Certification. Her biggest non-academic achievement? Raising her children as a stay-at-home mom for 20 years- a role she calls her toughest and most rewarding.

Why Mrs. Horn Loves Reach Cyber Charter School

"The atmosphere here is so positive, and I love the collaboration among teachers," Mrs. Horn said. "My favorite part is watching my students grow. I plan to keep teaching at Reach until I retire sometime in the next decade."

Through her creativity, encouragement, and unwavering enthusiasm, Mrs. Horn continues to make computer science accessible, engaging, and inspiring for every student she teaches.

Explore Computer Science at Reach Cyber Charter School

At Reach Cyber Charter School, students have access to hands-on STEM learning, real-world coding projects, and inspiring teachers like Mrs. Horn who make learning an adventure.