Myra Deister

I have dedicated 50 years to education, retiring from public school teaching in June 2025. Throughout my career, I specialized in mathematics and computer science, driven by my belief that I could present material in a way that students would understand and that I could influence them to work hard and be successful. Since retirement, I have remained actively engaged in education through multiple roles: substitute teaching and online teaching at a private school, and serving as an adjunct professor at Concordia University where I supervise student teachers. I am deeply committed to advancing mathematics and computer science education through extensive involvement in professional organizations. I serve as treasurer for Orange County Math Council, which is part of California Math Council and an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. I am also a member of the conference planning committee for California Math Council Southern Section. In the computer science education space, I serve as secretary for the Computer Science Teachers Association Los Angeles chapter, a position I have held for 2 years, and I previously served on their national board. I also serve as treasurer for Orange County Computer Using Educators and am on the conference planning committee for Cali. Recently, we put on a workshop for artificial intelligence held at LA County Office of Education. My contributions to education have been recognized through significant honors, including being named Teacher of the Year at my public school and receiving the Gold Disco Award in 2024 from Computer Using Educators, one of their highest honors.