2025-26 President's Message

It is an honor—and a profound responsibility—to serve as President of ITEEA.

To share a bit about myself, I ask that you set aside any expectations of polished literary flair. Like many in our field, my energy has always come from teaching, designing, and building, rather than crafting elegant prose. My sister, who patiently edited my elementary school papers, remains amazed that I have ever published or edited anything professionally. Reading didn’t capture my imagination until I discovered books like Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain—stories that felt relevant because they showed how things could be made. Learning came alive when it could be built, tested, and improved.

Technology and Engineering courses quickly became my home, and drafting became a passion. I was encouraged to pursue engineering because I excelled academically and enjoyed creating. But I soon realized I was searching for a way to apply concepts more directly. That search led me—by chance and curiosity—to a friend’s drafting homework, and then to the office of Dr. Alice Scales. Her first question, “What is your name?,” opened a conversation that changed my life. She saw who I was, what I cared about, and how those passions could shape a meaningful career in Technology and Engineering Education.

Every member of ITEEA has their own path into this profession, and I suspect each of us can point to educators who nudged, encouraged, or inspired us along the way. I am deeply grateful for those who guided me, and equally grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization hat has shaped so much of my professional journey.

As I step into this role, I am reminded of the extraordinary breadth and depth of ITEEA’s impact. Our association serves a diverse and far-reaching community, and each of our councils plays a vital role in advancing technological and engineering literacy:

•    Council for STEM Leadership
•    Council on Technology and Engineering Teacher Education
•    Elementary STEM Council
•    Secondary STEM Council
•    Technology and Engineering Educators’ Collegiate Association

Together, these councils create powerful pathways for learners across their educational careers. They serve different purposes yet share a unified mission: preparing professionals ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges with skill and confidence. My own path was shaped by each of these groups—teachers who sparked my curiosity, teacher educators who prepared me, leaders who shared re-sources and direction, and opportunities through TEECA that strengthened my abilities. I am grateful for the many influences that prepared me to pursue this meaningful work. I encourage you to join the council that aligns with your passions. Your voice strengthens our collective impact, and your first Council membership is included with your dues.

At the heart of our field—and our organization—are people and projects. Relationships and authenticity matter. Students thrive when they see adults who care, collaborate, and model curiosity. Our profession thrives when we commit to continuous learning, whether through technical skill development, research, or service. Organizations like Epsilon Pi Tau remind us that excellence in service, scholarship, and technical expertise is essential to our mission.

I also hope we continue to engage others the way Dr. Joe Busby did—with enthusiasm, generosity, and a steadfast belief that everyone has a purpose. Joe had a remarkable ability to help people find their place, often through opportunities that built both character and community. That spirit is one I hope we all carry forward. 

As we look ahead, I encourage you to build strong teams, take bold risks, and dare to lead. Our students need educators who are willing to innovate, collaborate, and challenge the status quo. Our profession needs leaders at every level—classroom, district, state, and national—who are committed to shaping the future of technology and engineering education with clarity and conviction.

Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. Thank you for the work you do every day. I look forward to serving alongside you and strengthening the connections that make ITEEA such a powerful and meaningful professional home. 

Kevin Sutton, EdD, DTE an assistant professor and Organizational Leadership & Learning Program Director at Appalachian State University. He serves as ITEEA’s 2026-2027 president.