Age: 44
Years of service: Four
Background: Putz grew up in Palo Alto and Los Altos Hills. At 12 years old, he taught himself to program computers, and he worked at local research companies at 14. ``After earning a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of California-San Diego, I did software research and development at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center.''
How he started teaching: ``While working in research, I volunteered as an elementary school science lab teacher in East Palo Alto and as a coach for children's LEGO robotics competition teams in Santa Clara. After my company downsized, I took the opportunity to explore a new career and created RoboticsLearning.com.
What he teaches: ``I teach LEGO Robotics classes where children age 8 and older build and program robots using LEGO bricks, motors, sensors and a special computer control unit. I also teach a class in stop-motion animation, and I recently taught a Java computer programming class to students from Redwood Middle School in Saratoga.''
Teaching philosophy: ``An ideal learning experience is one that inspires students to expand their awareness, curiosity, creativity and purpose. I try to create that experience'' with a positive environment, challenges and lots of enthusiasm.
Hopes for the future: ``I would like to establish a full-time learning center where kids, school groups and adults come to learn and play with technology like LEGO robots. I would also like to establish outreach programs to bring inspiring and relevant technology education to children in communities where they normally don't have and can't afford such programs.''
What he loves about his job: ``I love seeing kids working together, solving problems and creating their own solutions to fun challenges. I love being surprised by what my students create.''
What he learns: ``It's not about me.''
-- Gloria Yiu