For more than three decades, Jodi Childress has been a cornerstone of Salem Community High School, inspiring generations of students through her dedication to teaching math and computer science. But her contributions extend far beyond the classroom. From introducing students to coding with cutting-edge educational tools like—believe it or not—Minecraft, to spearheading a new programming competition, Jodi’s work is setting a foundation for success in an ever-evolving digital world.

“When I started teaching, computer science was in its infancy,” Jodi recalls. “We learned BASIC programming here at Salem, and I carried that with me to college, where I explored languages like Pascal. The journey from those early days to where we are now has been nothing short of incredible.”

Today, Jodi teaches Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) alongside other computer science courses, blending technical skills with creative problem-solving. Her students learn to code using tools like Java and JavaScript while also exploring broader topics like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

One of Jodi’s most innovative tools is Minecraft Education, a platform that allows students to code within the game’s environment. “It’s a brilliant way to teach foundational programming concepts like loops, if-else statements, and sequential operations,” she explains. “Students are engaged and having fun while building skills they’ll use in real-world applications.”

In Jodi’s classroom, learning is hands-on and dynamic. On any given day, you might find students immersed in coding projects like creating apps on code.org or programming their own games. “One student even replicated the classic Simon game, coding it to work on a smartphone,” Jodi says with pride. “Another designed an interactive map of the United States, complete with flags, state mottos, and more. Their creativity amazes me every day.”

Jodi’s passion for computer science education extends beyond the classroom. She’s working to establish Salem High’s first computer programming competition, an initiative she hopes will become her legacy. “I’ve always felt like we were on an island here,” she says. “Not many rural schools offer coding, so giving our students the chance to compete and showcase their skills is something I’ve wanted for a long time.”

This competition will be funded in part by a grant Jodi helped secure through the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and CS for Illinois. The grant has already made a significant impact, helping to complete an esports lab at Salem High and providing licenses for tools like Minecraft Education.

Jodi’s dedication has also earned national recognition. Salem High participates in events like Lockheed Martin’s Code Quest and a competition hosted by the Colorado School of Mines, where students compete against peers from much larger schools. “Last year, we placed 33rd and 34th out of 70 teams,” Jodi says. “For a school our size, that’s a big deal.”

Her efforts are also personal. Jodi’s son, an SCHS graduate, found his career in cybersecurity thanks to the foundational skills he learned as a student. “He started with Minecraft and cheat codes, learning JSON,” Jodi explains. “Now, he’s a cybersecurity engineer in St. Louis, and he’s achieved all of it through certifications, without a traditional four-year degree.”

This success story underscores the growing relevance of alternative career paths in technology. “Not every student needs a four-year degree to succeed in this field,” Jodi says. “With certifications and the right skills, they can find great opportunities straight out of high school.”

As Jodi nears retirement, she’s focused on ensuring the programs she’s built continue to thrive. “I want to leave a lasting impact,” she says. “It’s about showing students what’s possible and giving them the tools to achieve it. Whether they go on to earn a degree or dive straight into certifications, I want them to feel confident and capable.”

Jodi’s contributions extend beyond computer science. As a Salem native and SCHS alumna, she embodies the community’s spirit of resilience and innovation. “Salem is a place where people find a way to make things happen,” she says. “I’m proud to be part of that tradition.”

Through her passion, innovation, and commitment to her students, Jodi Childress is more than a teacher—she’s a builder of futures. Her work at Salem Community High School is a reminder that in the right hands, education becomes not just a profession but a legacy.