An overview of the benefits of membership in the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association.

1. Preparing the Next Generation for What Lies Ahead

2. The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) is the professional organization for technology, innovation, design, and engineering educators. Our mission is to promote technological literacy for all by supporting the teaching of technology and promoting the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits. ITEEA strengthens the profession through leadership, professional development, membership services, publications, and classroom activities. Strengthening the Profession

5. As creative problem solvers, students can gain a vision for how something should work and become dedicated to making it better, faster, or more efficient. The latest science, tools, materials, and technology can be used to bring these ideas to life. Real-Life Problem Solving

6. STEM education is important if we are to have a society that is to thrive, contribute in a meaningful way towards building our own future, and provide students with a desire to achieve. No school subject unleashes the spirit of innovation like technology and engineering education. The Spirit of Innovation

9. The standards identify content related to the nature of technology, technology and society, design, abilities for a technological world, and the designed world. Knowledge has been identified for grade levels K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The standards also address medical, agricultural and related bio-technologies, energy and power, information and communication, transportation, manufacturing, and construction topics. Using Standards to Plot a Course

10. Elementary teachers teach about technology and engineering through integrated activities that are a part of their daily curriculum. One example would be a design activity to plan and build a community. Such an activity would integrate the subjects of technology, social studies, math, science, and language arts with the opportunity to create a hands-on, community-planning experience. Technology and Engineering in the Earliest Grades

11. Technology and engineering are often required courses at the middle school, with courses such as Exploring Technology, Introduction to Technology, and Invention and Innovation. More detailed courses are offered as electives at the high school level with titles such as Manufacturing, Communication, and Engineering Design. Technology and Engineering in Middle and High Schools

12. ITEEA’s mission is to advance technological capabilities for all people and to nurture and promote the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits. We seek to meet the professional needs and interests of members as well as to improve public understanding of technology and engineering education and its contributions to society. ITEEA’s Mission

13. Membership in ITEEA offers a myriad of benefits. Joining together provides individual teachers with a stronger voice and a larger profile. ITEEA conducts a vigorous public policy program, frequently providing information to government, agencies, associations, and other special interest groups concerning technology and engineering education. The Association strives to provide concerned publics with an understanding of the importance of technological literacy through technology and engineering education to the future growth and well-being of all nations. ITEEA also offers the Tidewatcher listserv, which focuses on government relations. Finding a Voice

16. The 2011 conference, scheduled for March 24-26 th in Minneapolis, has a theme of “Preparing the STEM Workforce: The Next Generation.” This conference will feature the latest presentations about using best practices to deliver education with an eye on twenty-first century learning skills as a basis for our future citizens. Annual ITEEA Conference

17. ITEEA has established a presence in the world of social and professional networking in order to help its members to build online communities of people who share their interests and/or activities. These services provide ways for users to interact. Social and professional networking has encouraged new ways to communicate and share information. Listservs and social networking websites are being used regularly by millions of people. Networking

18. ITEEA offers its members several listservs, but the most popular by far is the IdeaGarden. The “Garden” generates real-time dialogue pertaining to educational programs and events, knowledge resources, and new ideas about teaching and learning. Teachers ask questions, share information and ideas, and offer the kind of support that means the most – because it comes from people who have “been there.” Photo credit: Bill Van Loo Networking

19. In terms of social networking, ITEEA has established a presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Blogger. These services help people to build and verify online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities. Networking

20. ITEEA publishes a wide variety of publications that lead the profession by providing teaching directions, instructional ideas, and networking opportunities. All ITEEA publications are available at reduced cost to members. Publications

21. Technology and Engineering Teacher is ITEEA’s flagship journal. The peer-reviewed journal is a valuable part of an ITEEA membership. It is a useful, interesting tool for technology and engineering professionals from elementary teachers to junior high, middle, and high school classroom teachers as well as teacher educators. Each issue contains ideas for the classroom and technology and engineering activities. The journal is published eight times per year. Publications

22. STEM Connections is a free service of ITEEA developed to regularly deliver timely information pertaining to STEM professional development opportunities, assistance with marketing your program, information about legislative efforts, opportunities to connect and share information with other technology and engineering educators, and a great deal more. Publications

23. Additionally, ITEEA has created dozens of other publications that offer teachers the tools needed to help today’s students become tomorrow’s technologically literate workforce. Publications

24. Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology provides content standards that prescribe what the outcomes of the study of technology and engineering in Grades K-1 should be. STL helps ensure that all students receive an effective education about technology and engineering by setting forth a consistent content for the study of these areas. Publications

25. The Overlooked STEM Imperative: Technology and Engineering, K-12 Education invites you to explore the power and promise of a STEM education, but more importantly to seek to understand the importance of ensuring that the “T” and “E” are equal partners with mathematics and science of STEM to adequately prepare the next-generation workforce. Publications

26. ITEEA’s STEM Center for Teaching and Learning has developed the only standards-based national model for Grades K-12 that delivers technological literacy. The model, Engineering byDesign™ is built on Standards for Technological Literacy (ITEEA); Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM); and Project 2061, Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS). Engineering byDesign™

28. ITEEA and its Foundation for Technology Education (FTE) give awards, grants, and scholarships to support the advancement of technology and engineering education. FTE initiated a program of giving in 1993, in which awards are presented during the ITEEA Annual Conference. FTE awards support programs that will: make our children technologically literate; transfer industrial and corporate research into our schools; produce models of excellence in technology and engineering teaching; create public awareness regarding the nature of technology and engineering education; and help technology and engineering teachers maintain a competitive edge in technology. Grants, Awards, and Scholarships

29. ITEEA sponsors an active honors and awards program that recognizes outstanding teachers and programs from states, provinces, and countries that are affiliated with the Association. ITEEA also presents award certificates and supports other programs that recognize outstanding efforts in the technology teaching profession. Grants, Awards, and Scholarships

30. ITEEA’s Program Excellence Awards and Teacher Excellence Awards are two of the highest honors given to technology and engineering classroom teachers. These awards are presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the profession and its students. Grants, Awards, and Scholarships

32. The problem-solving nature of technology and engineering education makes it a natural fit with the ongoing “Green Movement.” Students involved in technology and engineering courses in our schools today are using their ingenuity to design, invent, and engineer solutions to technological problems, including those that negatively impact our planet. ITEEA has created “Mission Green Technology” as a way to deliver green technology resources to teachers. Mission Green Technology

34. We urge the inclusion of technology and engineering in STEM education. Further, that technology and engineering teachers be given the same opportunities as their peers in concept-based instruction and assistance with investigating the ideal scope, sequence, and curricula content in our country. The field stands a great chance of success if its teachers join together to create a stronger voice, network, and maintain the highest possible level of professional development. Find out how YOU can become part of preparing the next generation for what lies ahead. www.iteea.org