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Hi,

I have been teaching CS for 9 years now.  Currently, I am using Code.Org's Computer Science Discoveries curriculum for an introductory course.

I saw that I need to apply for a SOCE by September, so I have started looking into this.  One of the requirements is as follows:

1. Computer Science Teaching Experience. Teachers must have taught at least one acceptable computer science course between September 1, 2017 and September 1, 2024 while holding a valid teaching certificate in a New York State public school, BOCES, or other school where teacher certification is required. The computer science teaching experience could be completed while holding any valid teaching certificate (e.g., Initial certificate).

   Acceptable courses are listed through the following link:

   • Acceptable computer science courses

On line 69 of the file linked above is course # 60204 - Computer Science Discoveries (All grades).

I went to my school programmer to ask what course code I am currently teaching.  It is SKS22.  This is not a code that is listed as one that is approved, so I am worried I might not qualify for the SOCE.  She tried to figure out how to create a course using 60204 and could not figure that out.

I am wondering if there are teachers out there who are teaching a course that has a code that is in the list of qualifying courses.  If so, I'd love to connect with you and/or your school's programmer to find out what I can do to work this out.

Thanks for anyone who can help.

John Wilson

Park Slope Collegiate

Hey John!

You should be able to apply for the SOCE -- you just have to have the appropriately mapped course recorded on your superintendent's statement.  See directions below from the SOCE Page.

Helpful tip: The CS4All Department is helping to coordinate the SOCE process with the HR Department at NYC Public Schools, so you should let them know about this code discrepancy so they can help advocate for you.

From the SOCE Website:

The employer would submit a Superintendent Statement in TEACH verifying that the teacher taught an acceptable computer science course by recording the course ID number (BEDS PMF or SIRS code) and course name from the above list.

• The BEDS PMF assignments and SIRS courses should have been reported to NYSED as part of the annual data collection. Employers may need to consult their school data coordinator for assistance with SIRS course data.
• If the teacher taught a local computer science course that was not previously mapped to one of the acceptable BEDS PMF or SIRS State-approved SCED course codes, employers should use the SCED course descriptions in the above list of acceptable courses to determine if there is a match for their local course. If there is match, the employer would record the appropriate SIRS course code and course name on the Superintendent Statement.
• If the computer science course taught by the teacher is not on the acceptable list of courses, please do not contact the Office of Teaching Initiatives to find out if the course could be acceptable. In this case, employers should review the instructions in the above two bullets.

In the Superintendent Statement, the employer would be verifying the computer science teaching experience as well as current employment in the public school, BOCES, or other school where teacher certification is required.

Thanks and good luck!