Interviewer: Timur Polyakov

— Why computer science? Why did you decide to become an IT specialist and not, for example, a manager or someone else?

Mr.Rustamov: Well, I started off in the business world including businesses related to technology. Technology has always been my passion, I love technology. I was interested in it more than in other subjects. So, I think that passion has led me to the current choice in my career.

— Why did you decide to become a teacher? There are plenty of other jobs in the IT market, which you would probably get, given your skill level?

Mr.Rustamov: Yes. Exactly. Um, one thing is, I love international settings and I love to travel.  My wife is also a teacher, together we’ve traveled to many countries. When you travel and work in new environments you are exposed to other cultures; it is fascinating to teach students internationally and gain new perspectives.

— As you’ve stated before you returned to Uzbekistan after decades of living abroad, right?

Mr.Rustamov: About 20 years. Yeah.

— Why did you make up your mind to come back after all those years?

Mr.Rustamov: Well, keep in mind, this is the land I was born in, the land of my ancestors. Although  I immigrated to the US years ago, I love my land. I missed my childhood and the friends I grew up with, it has always been my dream to return. I wanted to bring my family and show them Uzbekistan. My kids do not know Uzbek and I want them to learn. I want them to experience what I experienced, I want them to be Uzbeks in America.

— What is the best part of your job?

Mr.Rustamov: Best part? Well, that’s a good question. The best part is challenging myself, learning new things, I consider myself a lifelong learner. School is a natural place for me where everyone is learning, including teachers. It’s a great place to grow, a great place to learn new things. I think that’s the best part — learning.

— What’s your biggest dream as a teacher?

Mr.Rustamov: I have many dreams. I was thinking about this lately. My biggest dream is to help students find their passion. Help them to find their purpose. Many people throughout life change their careers nowadays. The older generation would choose one career for life, but as the economy and technology are changing, regular jobs are going away. I need to assist students in their search for purpose and direction. I believe that the role of a teacher is to make them excited about something, to ignite their students’ passion.

— Numerous students in our school are passionate about computer science and IT in general. Do you know any resources that may be of use for them?

Mr. Rustamov: Khan Academy is a great place for students to learn. Also, I recently got involved with a  NASA teacher training program. Teachers all across America, work together with NASA to develop teaching materials to ignite students’ passion and teach STEM subjects through space explorations and space technology. Lately, I’m highly interested in teaching computer science through space technologies. That’s one of the things we have started at our space club for lower grades recently.

In addition, I highly recommend resources such as code.org, various MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), and CS50 (first-year computer science online course from Harvard University.

— Do you think that anyone can become a CS professional? Are there any initial requirements?

Mr.Rustamov: Yes, anyone can become a computer science professional. Initial requirements? Well, I think it’s about being passionate about your chosen field. Some people say «Oh, you have to first master math» or «You have to be good at math. If you’re not good at math, you won’t succeed». I don’t think it’s correct 100%. So I’ve seen people in art or law, switching their careers to coding. Anyone interested in CS can get into it. Computer science is a broad field that encompasses several other fields. CS professionals might work in data analytics, software engineering, computer engineering, information security, or network administration, to name just a few options. Cybersecurity is another exciting field. There are so many opportunities.

— Where did you get your degree?

Mr.Rustamov: I hold a master’s in education technology from Boise State University. And also I have a graduate degree in online teaching. Currently, I’m considering doing another graduate degree in computer science

— The last one, what advice would you give to the students of our school?

Mr.Rustamov: Follow your dream. Anything is possible if you are passionate about something. Regardless of tough difficulties in your journey, your consistency and your passion will lead you to your destination.  Things will come together and you will be able to reach your goal.