Jake Baskin
About Jake Baskin
Jake Baskin serves as the Executive Director of the Computer Science Teachers Association in Chicago, Illinois, where he has worked since 2018. He has a background in computer science education, having previously held roles at Code.org and Chicago Public Schools, and has successfully advocated for significant funding and policy changes to enhance computer science education.
Work at Computer Science Teachers Association
Jake Baskin serves as the Executive Director at the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) since 2018. In this role, he leads efforts to enhance computer science education across the United States. His responsibilities include collaborating with educational leaders and policymakers to promote effective computer science teaching practices. Under his leadership, CSTA has focused on initiatives that aim to secure funding and resources for computer science professional development.
Previous Experience at Code.org
Before joining CSTA, Jake Baskin worked at Code.org as the Director of State Government Affairs from 2013 to 2018. In this position, he was responsible for advocating for computer science education policies at the state level. He played a significant role in securing over $30 million in state funding dedicated to professional development in computer science, demonstrating his commitment to improving educational resources in this field.
Background in Education
Jake Baskin has a strong background in education, having served as the Computer Science Department Chair at Lindblom Math and Science Academy within Chicago Public Schools from 2010 to 2013. He has experience as a high school computer science teacher, where he focused on increasing access to computing for underrepresented groups. His efforts resulted in more than doubling female enrollment in introductory computer science classes.
Education and Expertise
Jake Baskin earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science from Swarthmore College, where he studied from 2006 to 2010. During his time at Swarthmore, he also worked as a researcher from 2009 to 2010. His academic background and research experience have equipped him with a solid foundation in computer science, which he applies in his current role and previous positions.
Advocacy for Computer Science Education
Throughout his career, Jake Baskin has been an advocate for expanding access to high-quality computer science education. He collaborates with senior leadership in state education authorities, governors’ offices, and state legislatures to advance policies that support computer science education. His advocacy efforts focus on ensuring that all students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, have the opportunity to engage with computer science.