The program recognizes educators who go above and beyond while using, teaching, or integrating computer science at their schools. Ellis was nominated by Kris Hardison, a Kindergarten teacher at Windsor Elementary.
In the nomination, Hardison noted that Ellis opens the world of coding and computer programming to students who would not have that chance otherwise. She cited Ellis as being incredibly gifted at working with struggling students by building their self-confidence. “She uses coding as the means by which to grab their attention and work wonders in their lives,” said Hardison. “I'm shocked to have a kindergarten student show me how they created a coding project! Their little faces are so completely absorbed in their project when explaining it.”
Ellis has advocated for computer science integration throughout the school by creating a team of teachers known as Coding Coaches. Using guidance from CodeVA, she shows how various coding activities could work in almost any classroom setting and makes the activities meaningful for both teachers and students.