Reflection is essential to improvement. Reflecting on my career, I am grateful for the leadership and membership of organizations such as the International Technology and Engineering Education Association (ITEEA), and the Society of Elementary Presidential Awardees  (SEPA). My foundation as a science and math teacher led me to receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Consequently, I found myself surrounded by great role models—people from all walks of life from every state in the union, sharing their knowledge and expertise. I experienced the impact of networking and making connections. Later, NASA was searching for teachers to become astronauts. As a finalist to the program, I was exposed to the national stage and accepted an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship with NASA. I found myself surrounded once again by similar-minded, yet diverse educators extremely dedicated to their craft. As part of my fellowship, I developed a network connecting the 186 astronaut finalists who used that network to share lessons, extend learning, develop programs, and collaborate across miles. The fellowship has long since ended, but members continue to meet virtually, connect with the agency, and use the virtual bridges built to enrich and change lives.

 

It was during the fellowship that I was introduced to ITEEA. I found myself in the midst of educated and dedicated educators from all over the world. To this day, I use resources gained from that conference. Consequently, I ventured into the realm of Technology and Engineering, the application of the science /math foundation I had built over the years. I became the coordinator of our district's STEM academy.

 

Throughout my journeys, I have recognized the value of networking, evolved my art of program development, and promoted leadership and teamwork. With a vast membership and global presence, I would like to see greater networking and collaborative opportunities within ITEEA and education organizations. Having attended several ITEEA conferences, I noticed that the majority of attendees come from areas close to the conference locale. COVID has taught us that many physical limitations are not as rigid as once thought. As we contemplate how to educate students virtually in our field of technology and engineering, likewise we must find ways to learn and use technology and engineering to expand  and organization’s influence. Using the growing cache of resources, we can strengthen our network, hone our personal craft, and prepare our students in a quickly changing world.

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