Hello, please let me introduce myself and explain why I wish to take on the role of president. I have been teaching for 23 of my 54 years. I went into this career because I enjoyed shop class when in high school, have always found my creative side in the form of shaping wood into functional objects such as surfboards and boats, and I really enjoy working with kids. For the past 6 years I have not been teaching in a regular classroom, but have been running the careers program for SD#71. What this has enabled me to do is get a big picture view of what is occurring in shop classes now, what government and industry want, and look at where we can go. I feel that at present Technology Education is at a low point as far as being recognized and valued. I do not intend on taking us back to the good old days, but take what is good now, add what is needed to proceed into the future and win back the support of the ministry of education, the ITA, industry, the community and the youth that sign up for our classes. This is not going to be an easy task, but I have the energy and will to give it my best shot. We have a great executive team that will keep you well informed and up to date on our activities. We will periodically ask for your input and direction, so please get involved to the level you wish to help out.
Here are our first initiatives:
- Build the BCTEA web site into a more robust resource that every Technology Education teacher can contribute and access materials to improve your programs and shops. Some of the material will only be accessible to BCTEA members (remember it is only $30.00 and here is the link to sign up).
- Create a data base of every Technology Education teacher in the province. We are half way there already. Please login to this website and create an account or send a message info@bctea.org
- Try to give direction to the ITA around the youth programs review. We can play a much larger role in preparing students for the trades.
- Build an inventory of project pictures, and teaching resources.
- Offer budgets for Tech Ed programs.
- Work on class size for effective education in a shop.
- Provide guidance on new school shop construction.