Fernanda Valdivia’s education and programming journey began with an elementary education degree from Universidad de Los Andes in Santiago, Chile. Certified in both elementary education and computer science in Florida, she has spent the past seven years inspiring students to become problem solvers and lifelong learners. Her dedication to education is matched by her belief that students are future leaders and active members of society, a value she strives to instill in every class.
Her technical expertise spans multiple areas, including computer science, elementary education, and programming in various languages. She has trained extensively in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum, completing both the Innovators and Makers and Design and Modeling modules. Through Innovators and Makers, she helped students use the Micro:bit to create coding solutions to real-world challenges, while the Design and Modeling module introduced them to CAD tools like TinkerCad and isometric drawing techniques.
With certifications in HTML and CSS, Fernanda moved into web development, later adding JavaScript to her skillset for creating interactive web features. She is currently expanding her knowledge in Python, using the Turtle library to design applications that bring coding concepts to life. Fernanda works to make cutting-edge technology accessible and exciting for her students and has made great strides supporting Pine Crest faculty across all five divisions as they bring virtual reality into their classrooms.
Fernanda’s previous experience as a team leader and her current role at Pine Crest School has allowed her to champion innovative approaches. In her computer science classes, she encourages hands-on learning and creative problem-solving, guiding students to understand and apply coding concepts with confidence. Through these efforts, Fernanda aims to equip her students with the skills and mindset needed to positively impact the world and thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
