Roza Shaimurat is a passionate computer science educator with over 15 years of teaching experience in international and U.S. schools. She currently teaches AP Computer Science Principles, Programming Year 1, and Programming Year 2 at Lisa Academy North Middle High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her teaching is driven by a mission to integrate real-world STEM experiences, foster innovation, and empower students of all backgrounds.
Roza holds a Master of Science in Information Technology, a B.S. in Computer and Control Teaching, and an Arkansas Master Professional Educator – Computer Science certification. She is also a 2024–25 CSTA Equity Fellow.
Throughout her career, Roza has connected with struggling students by bridging coursework with their interests, transforming learning from intimidating to empowering. She is a champion for equity, proactively addressing barriers her students face. When girls hesitated to participate in class discussions, she launched a Girls Who Code Club to create a safe and confidence-building space.
Roza is also the dedicated coach of her school’s VEX IQ Robotics Club, Coding Club, and Drone Club, where she mentors students in STEM competitions, collaboration, and real-world problem solving.
She ensures her classroom is inclusive and accessible, whether that means using visual supports for English learners or arranging peer support systems for students with physical challenges. Roza credits her colleagues, student families, and the Arkansas computer science community for helping her bring learning to life.
She has mentored a State Finalist project in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition and a Congressional App Challenge project that received Honorable Mention, while also guiding many student teams to present at the Arkansas STEM Festival, where many earned awards. Her students aren’t just learning computer science—they’re building real-world solutions and finding their voices as innovators.
As a CSTA Equity Fellow, Roza aims to scale these interventions and amplify equity-minded leadership. “Collaboration and targeted support have worked in my classroom. Now I want to explore how we can make those supports sustainable and systemic.” She hopes to develop peer mentorship models and culturally responsive professional development opportunities for computer science educators.
“I’ve seen firsthand how access, encouragement, and a sense of belonging can completely shift a student’s confidence and curiosity,” Roza says. “This fellowship is about strengthening those pathways for more students—and helping more educators do the same.”