Igniting Creativity Through Coding: Meet Chelsea Spiker, Computer Science Teacher at NCVA

When Chelsea Spiker joined North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA) in 2022, she brought with her a strong background in science, STEM education, and a growing passion for computer science. Today, she’s tapping into that passion to build one of NCVA’s newest and most exciting middle-school courses – one that blends problem-solving, creativity, and, of course, Minecraft. 

From Pennsylvania to the Outer Banks 

Ms. Spiker always knew she’d become a teacher. 

“As a kid, I loved pretending to be a teacher with my toys and Barbies,” she shared. “I had amazing teachers growing up who really got me excited about working with children.” 

After teaching in Pennsylvania and later in Elizabeth City, NC, she transitioned to NCVA during the 2021–22 school year. 

“I wouldn’t go back. I love this,” she says with a smile. “I still make real connections with my students and seeing them at outings makes it even better.” 

Falling in Love with Computer Science 

Despite beginning her career as a science teacher, Ms. Spiker’s interest in technology grew quickly once she began teaching STEM. 

“In Pennsylvania, STEM wasn’t really a thing yet, so when I first started teaching it, I went in completely blind,” she said. “But during the pandemic, coding really took off. I fell in love with it.” 

When NCVA began exploring a new middle-school computer science course, Ms. Spiker knew immediately she wanted to be part of it. 

“I’m just falling more in love with computer science, so I jumped on it. And I don’t regret it,” she shared. 

Coding Through Minecraft: A New Way to Learn 

This year marks NCVA’s first-ever middle-school computer science course, and Ms. Spiker wanted it to feel fresh and energizing – not intimidating. 

“My version of coding growing up was boring,” she admitted. “This generation needs something engaging.” 

That led her to Prodigy Learning’s Minecraft-based coding platform. While not the original Minecraft game, it gives students the opportunity to build, create, and problem-solve using block-based code. 

“They still get to create amazing things, but this time they’re learning what the code means and why it works,” she said. “Kids love it because it’s Minecraft, but they’re also genuinely learning.” 

She sees firsthand how coding strengthens resilience and confidence. 

“I tell them that coding is about problem-solving,” she said. “Don’t give up because it doesn’t work the first time. Try different approaches.” 

Students regularly share their work, screens, and even tips with her – and often outpace her. 

“I have kids who are honestly better at parts of it than me,” she laughed. 

The class currently serves 163 students and is full of energy. 

“It’s been so fun. Even virtually, I get to see their creativity every day.” 

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Innovators – Today 

As students explore coding, cybersecurity, AI, and computer science careers, Ms. Spiker is seeing a spark. 

“There are so many fields they can go into,” she said. “A lot of kids got excited about AI, cybersecurity, or even video game design. Some didn’t know how computer science fit with things like the medical field, so we’ve had great conversations.” 

She’s also noticed how the course brings families together. 

“Students will tell me, ‘My dad helped me with this.’ It’s kind of amazing – coding is becoming something families bond over.” 

Creating Opportunities for Students Across the State 

NCVA’s virtual format has allowed Ms. Spiker to teach students from the mountains to the coast.

“I always start the year with a map to see where they’re all from,” she said. “My kids are widespread across the state.” 

From hurricane seasons to snowstorms, she’s learned that each region has its own story, and her students love sharing. 

“It’s really fun hearing what’s happening in their part of North Carolina versus mine.” 

Growing the STEM Program at NCVA 

With STEM Day approaching and new computer science offerings expanding at the high school level, Ms. Spiker is excited about what’s possible. 

“This class gets them excited for the future,” she said. “Even if they don’t know what they want to do yet, they’re willing to explore, and that’s what matters.” 

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