Andrew Truong MS '24 Comes Full Circle in Computing
Andrew Truong ’06, M.S. ’24, first came to NJIT as an undergraduate computer science major but soon changed his program to civil engineering, completing his degree in the subject and working in that field for two years before obtaining a teaching certification in math. During that time, in addition to honing his skills in pre-calculus, he also delved back into learning the finer points of C++, Java and JavaScript.
Now, after a 14-year career teaching math and computer science at Lakeland Regional High School in Wanaque, New Jersey, he will employ his newly earned M.S. in Computer Science as a dedicated computer science teacher at Middlesex High School.
But he sees the degree as a roadmap to exploring different directions within the changing landscape of technology as well.
The impetus for Truong to return to NJIT initially came from Governor Murphy’s recent legislation to expand access to STEM education throughout the state by increasing the number of qualified teachers. However, beyond a requirement that would elevate his credibility and pay grade, Truong envisioned the potential to broaden opportunities in and out of the classroom for students as well as his fellow teachers.
“Acquiring the latest in standard skills and the degree that goes with it certainly opens more options to consider later. Having other options for the future is always reassuring. But I love teaching and inspiring students, and the new assignment with Middlesex really allows me to focus on preparing students competitively,” he said.
Truong would like to be an example for other teachers to take advantage of the resources provided through the governor’s Expanding Access to STEM Education initiative. NJIT now offers a STEM teaching certification program in support of this initiative.
“We’re being required to pursue professional development, so you may as well do it right and get the most from it,” he added.
Returning to NJIT was an easy decision, given the impression the university made on him as one that is “hands-on, educates you according to what is happening in the moment, and allows a lot of room for creativity.”
Although completing his second degree while working full-time was all business this time around, he fondly recalls being highly involved during his undergraduate years as a Highlander, having served as civil engineering senate rep, president of student activities council and freshman orientation leader for two years. He also was Mr. NJIT 2004!
For those considering pursuing their graduate education with the Ying Wu College of Computing, he recommends CS 647 (Computer Hacking Techniques), taught by adjunct instructor Michael Martin, whom he thinks may be the best teacher he has ever had throughout his education.
According to Truong, Martin taught his class with the belief that “the best defense is a good offense,” and has since adopted this as his own problem-solving mantra.
He also cites Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science Vincent Oria’s Database Management System Design course (CS 631), a common favorite among students, as another extremely practical and useful highlight.
Overall, he feels the personalized attention and caring environment is what sets NJIT apart, and extends particular thanks to Graduate Academic Advisor Shanna McCormick, who was instrumental in guiding him throughout the program.
Growth forward is not always easy, and Truong began his program online in 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic. However, according to him, he has been and always will be “up for a new challenge.”
Learn more about:
- NJIT’s STEM Teacher Professional Development Initiative. Download the brochure here.
