Indy Standard

Tinya Fisher, a computer science teacher at Arsenal Technical High School, has been recognized as the 2025 Nextech K12 Computer Science Teacher of the Year. This award is presented by Nextech and TechPoint to honor educators who inspire students and integrate technology into their teaching methods, leading to notable improvements in student performance.

Fisher's career took a turn towards computer science after two decades of teaching finance and preparing students for college and careers. Her interest in computer science was sparked by a professional development program with Nextech, where she developed an app as part of her training. This experience motivated her to teach coding to her students.

“I believe students must start learning computer science early on,” Fisher stated. “It fosters problem-solving, creativity, and coding skills, which are essential in every industry. I love seeing my students work together to achieve a common goal. These skills prepare them for future success.”

Beyond her classroom duties, Fisher is dedicated to helping students build technical and workplace skills through initiatives like the Nextech Catapult Internship program. She also mentors young women of color and works on bridging language barriers for English learners using innovative tools such as interpreter earbuds.

Fisher will be honored at an event on Thursday at the Palladium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. The ceremony will celebrate innovation across various fields including technology, life sciences, manufacturing, and academia.

Other honorees from Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) include Chelsey Thompson from William Penn Middle School, who will receive the Bridge Builder Award from the TechPoint Foundation for Youth for her efforts in creating opportunities for underserved students in STEM fields. Additionally, William Penn Middle School is a finalist for the Talent Impact Award due to its significant contributions to student achievement.