Computer science skills are among the highest in demand in Middle Tennessee and across the nation. Several Nashville schools are offering coding courses to students that can help them pursue careers in software and technology.

On Nov. 12, The Tennessean hosts Classroom to Career: Building the Next Generation of Coders. The event will include a panel discussion that explores what efforts are underway to develop software programming skills, what challenges exist and what other steps can be taken to build technology skills among Nashville students.

Presenters and Panelists include:

As Chief Information Officer of RePublic Schools, Ryan York is building computer science curriculum for middle school and Advanced Placement courses. A former math teacher at Apollo Middle School, York developed instructional software for teachers that helped them create individualized learning plans for students.

Dr. Susan Kessler is principal of Hunters Lane High School, which offers AP Computer Science. Kessler has been a strong voice in Nashville for what students need in their schools and has testified before Congress during the No Child Left Behind rewrite.

As CEO of the Nashville Technology Council, Bryan Huddleston seeks to help address workforce needs for Nashville companies in the tech sector. His team developed summer coding programs for Middle Tennessee youth and introduced new initiatives connecting students with tech training and jobs. The council is also managing Nashville's partnership with the White House's new TechHire initiative.

Dr. Ryan Jackson is dean of students of Maplewood High School’s Academy of Energy & Power. His academy has begun an after-school coding program that he hopes to transform into academic course.