History, math, personal development and now computer science; Jerry West has taught them all in his 16 years at FCPS, and now he begins his first year at CHS teaching computer science and economics & personal finance. 

“You kind of get a sixth sense if you’re teaching that subject for a long time, [teaching computer science] was just going to be brand new,” West said.

Previously, West taught history, algebra and personal development at Liberty Middle School. Teaching a new subject at a new school was a difficult change for West, he emphasized the unfamiliarity of the school and staff. This transition would also require a sacrifice– to West, time is a precious commodity, and he would need plenty to pursue an entirely new subject. He places great importance on having enough time to spend with his family. 

“It’s hard,”  West said. “I think that’s why a lot of teachers won’t change, even if some of them want to.”

Though he taught many other subjects, West has had a passion for computer science since he took his college entrance exams. But from headaches from blue light to professors incompatible with his learning style, West’s struggles piled up until he switched his major to history. Though even as he was teaching other subjects, he realized how frequently he was on his computer. It was when he noticed the impact AI was going to have, he realized the world and the way students learn was changing, thus he decided to jump back into computer science. 

“But as I was teaching history, and as I was teaching math, and as I was just doing everything in life, I was just on the computer all day,” West said. “All these things always come back to the computer.” 

Even with the challenges he faced, West believes pursuing computer science was ultimately worth it. He notes that students will be choosing their major soon and it is difficult to be unsure. Having been in a similar position, West encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities they have– clubs, shadowing, jobs and the academy classes offered in FCPS. 

“I want them to try it out and which one brings the most fulfillment, even if other people think it’s super hard, they might get a lot of fulfillment out of that.” West said, “I think you can only get that by doing it.”