Elevate STEM Education: Integrating the Technology Student Association for Student Success
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Event Details
Discover how the Technology Student Association (TSA) can enhance STEM education by engaging students in hands-on, real-world learning experiences. This exchange will explore the benefits of offering TSA, from developing leadership skills to fostering a deeper connection between classroom concepts and practical applications.
You'll learn how to affiliate your school or program, with guidance on managing memberships and maximizing student participation. We’ll also dive into TSA’s Competitive Events Program, covering events at all levels, how they align with national STEM standards, and the process for updating or suggesting new events to reflect emerging industry trends.
Additionally, we hope to discuss with attendees strategies for integrating TSA as a co-curricular component of engineering and technology programs, enriching students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Finally, share practical tips on effective fundraising to support chapter growth and participation in conferences and competitions.
This session is ideal for educators looking to start or expand their TSA chapter and inspire the next generation of technology leaders.
Hosted by a a TSA Director, Coordinator, and Advisor
Angela Quarles, DTE serves as the Associate Director of Georgia TSA and brings over three decades of expertise in engineering and technology education. Before assuming her current role, Angela dedicated 31 years to teaching, shaping future innovators through her classroom. A past president of the Georgia Engineering and Technology Education Association (GETEA), she has played a pivotal role in advancing STEM education statewide. On the national level, Angela serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and member of the Managers and Coordinators (MAC) Team on the National TSA Competitive Events Committee. Having joined the organization in 1984 as a student and being involved in various capacities for over 40 years, she deeply values the organization’s role in enhancing engineering programs and empowering students.
Andy Stephenson, DTE is currently serving as the Kentucky TSA State coordinator. Andy was a classroom teacher, TSA Advisor and Robotics coach for 27 years before spending six years as a TSA State Advisor in Virginia. Andy has also served in multiple capacities and as part of the national TSA Curriculum Resource Committee (CRC) for 20 plus years and currently serves on the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Managers and Coordinators (MAC) teams of TSA's CRC. Andy also served one term on the TSA board of directors.
Blaire Thrasher, DTE is a middle school Engineering and Technology Education teacher in Georgia, with a passion for inspiring students in STEM fields. She serves as a middle and high school TSA advisor and event coordinator, leveraging her background as a former TSA member to provide a unique perspective on both middle school and high school competitions. In addition to her teaching role, Blaire is a curriculum writer and National Teacher Effectiveness Coach for ITEEA's Engineering by Design curriculum. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Workforce Education at the University of Georgia and also serves as an adjunct professor at Valley City State University.