By Gemard Guery – Staff Reporter

Ms. Corriveau is a computer science teacher at Jonathan Law High School. She is the advisor for Jonathan Law High School’s SheCodes Club which empowers women to pursue careers in STEM.  Advocate Staff Reporter Gemard Guery interviewed Corriveau about her classes and her career.

Gemard Guery: Why did you want to become a teacher?

Ms. Corriveau: Growing up, I had many teachers who left a lasting impact on me–not necessarily because of the content they taught to me, but rather because of the relationships that they formed with me. Those relationships served to provide me with confidence in my ability to achieve and succeed later on in life. I simply wanted to provide that same confidence to others. Even if I only ever reach one student, it will have been entirely worth it.

GG: Why do you feel having an understanding of computer science is so important?

MC: We are living in an increasingly digital world and it only makes sense for students to understand not only how computers work, but how their use of and interaction with computers can impact their lives.

GG: What do you love the most about the SheCodes club?

MC: I love that it was co-founded by some of the hardest working students at this school. All of the students in this club are dedicated, driven, and committed to furthering their education as well as educating others about computer science–especially females. Only about 20% of computer science majors are female and clubs such as SheCodes play an important role in reaching out to females and helping them to learn and engage more with STEM fields.

GG: Why is International Women’s Month so important to you?

MC: International Women’s Month is important to me because it serves to highlight the contributions of women throughout history–as well as the contributions of women today. As a mom, I think it’s important for my daughters to know and see that when it comes to making contributions to society, science, the economy and politics, women are equally as capable as men.

GG: What do you enjoy most about teaching computer science?

MC: I love helping students obtain a deeper understanding of a tool that is ubiquitous, yet in so many ways is equally esoteric. Every single one of us uses a computer, but do we really understand how it works? I also love watching students have “a-ha!” moments–I get really excited for them to fully understand concepts and use them in ways that will help them succeed.