Teaching Philosophy:
Mike Coe, Award Finalist

May 16, 2007

Plano Senior High School Computer Science Teacher

The one thing I can do that will positively influence student achievement is to show the students that I genuinely care about them and about their learning.

First, I must care about the students. The students need to know this and need to be reminded of it as often as possible. This can be done with tone of voice, a look, a smile, or a note on the student's paper. It must be shown in some small way each and every day. I can express it to the class or to an individual. The main thing is that my caring must be genuine. High school students can see right through a teacher who gives praise that is not real.

Mike Coe (left) is congratulated by Tracy Ishman during the school board meeting presentation of finalists who also included (l-r) Patrick Sullivan and Kelly Brooks. On the right is Keith Braley, Plano ISD Education Foundation president. Trustees are (above, l-r) John Muns, Duncan Webb and Superintendent Dr. Doug Otto.

Second, I must care about the subject. The students must think that I believe that my subject is the most important subject in the school. Whether they believe that or not, they must see my passion for the subject before they can buy in to it. Once they buy in their learning is self-motivated. At that point my job is to lead--the motivation is a moot point.

Third, I must care about the school. Students who feel good about their school will feel good about learning. I must show them that am involved in the school as a whole. This will enable them to take on that same feeling. It will help them achieve in all classes including mine. Caring about the school is shown by attending extracurricular activities, speaking positively about staff and facilities, and being school spirited. This must be shown every day in some small way.

Lastly, I must care about me. I must keep myself healthy and happy. Only then can I fill the classroom with a positive, energetic mood that draws the students in to learning and achieving.

In short, if I show them that I care about learning, they will care too and will become achievers.

Principal's Recommendation

Mike Coe has served as the team leader for computer science here at Plano Senior High since 1980, and he began our Advanced Placement program in that discipline in 1984. Without question his AP results are among the highest in the nation, with over 90% of his students receiving a 3, 4, or 5 (passing) on that national exam every year. He has received recognition from College Board for his AP success, and he has served as a reader/grader on that exam for several years.

Further, with a keen eye to market demands and technological advances, Mike added a class in networking in 2003 to our array of technology courses. Students are now able to complete two years of networking training while on this campus, thus allowing them to receive CISCO certification by the time they graduate.

Mike is also a tireless supporter of students. His computer club participates in myriad activities throughout the year. Currently, they are working on a service project for City House here in Plano helping to inventory their computers. They often host speakers from UTD, UT Austin, Raytheon, Cisco, Microsoft, TI, Rockwell, and others. Because of his association with Microsoft and their knowledge of his outstanding program, that company has awarded one of his students a $2000 scholarship each year for the past 15 years. The students have the opportunity to participate in LAN parties where they can play games and learn about networking systems. On one occasion they had the chance to meet and talk with the CEO and founder of ID (creator of Doom). Obviously, Mike works hard to generate enthusiasm for the technology field.

Each year since 1988 Mike has also sponsored the UIL computer science team. Since then, they've won the district competition every year except two. Mike has also taken 12 individuals and two teams to the state meet over the years. Last year they finished second in the state.

Finally, you need to know that Mike Coe is about the nicest person you'll ever meet. He cares and worries about his students like they were his own children. He is a counselor and mentor to many. As a result, you'll find students who take his classes just because they like Mr. Coe. He epitomizes everything you would want to represent the STEM award.

Sincerely,
Dr. Doyle Dean

Student Letter

I don't know if you remember me or not. I graduated in the year 2002 in your CS II AP class. I was the ornery kid that wanted to wear the beanie all the time in class. I think you sent me down to the admins office a couple of times too. :o) I believe I got a 50 / 55 in my second semester in your class. (total lack of effort)

Any who, I thought I'd just drop you a line to let you know how much your teaching has meant in my professional career. I was probably not the best student, nor the most fun to teach. I remember one day in class when you were telling me how poorly I was doing in class that I would probably end up a programmer when I got older. I was writing a note to let you know that you were right.

For the last 5 years I've been employed by State Farm writing custom solution development systems to assist with a poorly designed telnet mainframe system. We wrote a really cool late binding distributed processing system to act as our I/0 layer. Then wrote custom business objects to interact seamlessly with the programmers on either end of the application.

Also we've written work flow managements systems, ergonomic features, real-time reporting systems, etc... The total net savings of me and my team's applications (in my department alone) exceeds $3.5 million a year. I currently manage 3 developers as direct reports (soon to be 7) in my department and help to manage a virtual team consisting of 12 soon to be 24 developers.

While I no longer program in C++ it is important to note that I have not had any other formal education in programming other than your course at Piano Senior High School. I'm working to complete a business major but the courses that you taught me have been sufficient to make me the programmer and manager that I am today. I use your teachings as benchmarks for hiring future developers and making my current developers stronger. I currently have my MCP, MCAD, MCSD in the NET framework.

I'm sure you get these all the time... but I just want to say that I'm sorry for being such an ornery teenage student and thank you for all that you've done for me. Without your teaching I have no clue where I would be in my life today. You have no clue how large of an impact you've made in my life.

Thank you!

Matt