ITEEA's Kelly Dooley Featured on Associations Thrive Podcast
How do we prepare every student, not just future engineers, for a world increasingly shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, and constant innovation? And what role should professional associations play in helping educators meet that challenge?
Those questions take center stage in a recent episode of the Associations Thrive podcast, featuring ITEEA Executive Director and CEO Kelly Dooley in conversation with host Joanna Pineda.
During the episode, Dooley shares her unique journey from structural engineer to association executive, reflecting on a career path she never expected but has embraced with passion and purpose. She also discusses ITEEA's evolution from the American Industrial Arts Association into the leading professional association for technology and engineering educators, mirroring the transformation of STEM education itself.
The conversation explores the growing importance of technological and engineering literacy for all students and highlights ITEEA's groundbreaking Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL), which define what students should know and be able to do in today's technology-driven world.
Dooley also discusses Engineering byDesign™ (EbD™), ITEEA's PreK-12 standards-based STEM curriculum that is being implemented by states, school districts, and educators nationwide. The episode offers insights into how association-developed educational resources can create meaningful impact while generating sustainable non-dues revenue.
Additional topics include:
- Statewide adoption of association-developed curriculum programs
- The nationwide shortage of technology and engineering educators
- ITEEA's strategic efforts related to teacher recruitment, retention, mentorship, and career pathways
- The opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence presents for educators and students
The episode provides valuable perspectives for educators, association leaders, and anyone interested in the future of STEM education and workforce readiness.
Learn more:
- ITEEA: https://www.iteea.org
- Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL): https://www.iteea.org/stel
- Engineering byDesign™: https://www.iteea.org/engineering-bydesign