Twenty-First Century Leadership Academy

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 cohort!

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Applications are due annually on December 1st. 
Program Description

The 21st Century Leadership Academy (21CLA) was established in 2006 as an initiative to facilitate leadership development within ITEEA and the technology and engineering education profession. The goal is to create tomorrow's most successful and respected technology and engineering leaders, consultants, and strategic thinkers.

The 21CLA empowers dedicated educators to develop new knowledge and skills and become more effective leaders in the technology and engineering profession. Past Academy participants have included graduate students; early career university faculty members; elementary, middle, and high school teachers; and supervisors and administrators. Since its formation, the 21CLA has provided over 90 educators the opportunity to network with colleagues and peers, connect with and learn from established leaders, and participate in online and face-to-face leadership development activities.

21CLA candidates must be ITEEA members in good standing and submit all required materials including an application form, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation. Applications are subject to review by ITEEA’s 21CLA Committee, and preference may be given to individuals who are active in ITEEA and its Councils. Selected applicants are expected to make their best effort to actively participate in all planned activities.

The yearlong program kicks off at the ITEEA Annual Conference in March/April; facilitates regular engagement through monthly virtual discussions to encourage scholarly activity and professional growth; and concludes with a leadership workshop at the following year’s ITEEA Annual Conference. This first year is only the beginning of participants’ journey to jump-start and practice their skills by leading others. Expand the Annual Activities tab below for more detailed information on program activities.

Questions? Contact Us.
Special Thanks to our 21st Century Leadership Academy                2024-25 Cohort Sponsor:

Overview of the Program Year

By December 1 – Application due.

December/January – Selected cohort members are notified and must confirm commitment.

March/April – Attend kick off activities at the ITEEA Annual Conference to meet cohort members and introduce activities that will take place during the year.

April through February – Participate in virtual meetings (approximately monthly) on topics based on needs and preferences of cohort. Typical topics include:

  • keys to success as a technology and engineering educator
  • promotion and tenure
  • publishing
  • research funding
  • elementary STEM
  • collaboration with Science, Mathematics, and Engineering educators
  • service to the profession
  • international opportunities
  • other opportunities for advancement and leadership development

In the Fall, additional virtual or in-person meetings will be scheduled with representatives from leading educational organizations and/or associations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Education (DoE), the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and/or the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) to discuss education priorities.

March/April – Attend culminating activities at the ITEEA Annual Conference including:

  • participate in a pre-Conference leadership workshop,
  • present a professional learning session and the STEM Showcase at the ITEEA Conference,
  • attend and be recognized at the ITEEA Foundation/Maley "Spirit of Excellence" breakfast, and
  • participate in ITEEA Council sessions and/or Committee work sessions, if appropriate.

Note: By the end of the program, all participants will prepare a 5-year plan for implementing their new knowledge, skills, and leadership experience within their professional lives and ITEEA.

View 21CLA Alumni Directory

2024-2025 21st Century Leadership Cohort

  • Cynthia K Bednara
    Cynthia K Bednara
    CAD Coordinator/Instructor SWIC (618)235-2700x5376
  • Leah R Cheek
    Leah R Cheek
    UA STeAM Project Administrator and STEM Lecturer University of Arkansas (479)866-7000
  • Dina Dormer
    Dina Dormer
    Secondary STEM Supervisor West Chester Area School District (610)715-7534
  • Mariam Elias
    Mariam Elias
    (919)455-8024
  • Trey Moore
    Trey Moore
    New Hanover High School 1-910-251-6100x74435
  • Shelly Munoz
    Shelly Munoz
    (218)895-4163
  • Chandra R Porter
    Chandra R Porter
    Engineering & Technology Education Teacher Dekalb County Board of Education 16788751569
  • Chase Rohan
    Chase Rohan
    STEM Specialist Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia (434)971-9411