ECEP Member Spotlight: Dan Blier, Texas ECEP Team

Dan Blier is  a CTE Coordinator from Texas who has spent over 15 years championing CS education and over a decade as an ECEP Texas advocate.

Dan's path to CS education began in the late 1990s as a small business owner in the tech industry. After 22 years in education and a decade in district leadership supporting PK–12 CS programs, he brings a rare blend of industry and classroom experience to his advocacy work.

Why CS education? "CS Education is one way students can become important members of society and help build programs and systems that support industry and society."

A moment that shaped his mission: Ten years ago, Dan looked at the enrollment data for his district's CS classes and noticed that too many students were being left out. That data became the catalyst for his commitment to broadening participation in computing.

Making an impact in Texas: Dan currently serves as President of CS4TX, leading statewide advocacy efforts. He engages regularly with local and state policymakers and has testified on behalf of CS education legislation. He's especially proud of the progress made in securing more funding for CS education in Texas, and he's now pushing for a more transparent connection between AI and CS in schools.

What keeps him going? "Knowing that I am doing something that benefits others motivates me to keep going."

Thank you, Dan, for your leadership and tireless advocacy for CS students across Texas!