International Technology and Engineering Educators Association announced its 2014 Emerging Leader recipients last week, and a Warsaw Area Career Center teacher was one of the recipients. The Emerging Leader honor is a coveted mark of distinction in technology and engineering education, according to the awards announcement on the ITEEA website. It recognizes technology, innovation, design and engineering educators who have demonstrated a high level of competence and professional activity in the field of technology and engineering education. WACC engineering and technology teacher Abbi Richcreek was one of the award recipients. ITEEA created the Emerging Leader program to provide a means for recognizing outstanding performance and accomplishments by those who have at least five years of professional experience in delivering technology and engineering education. The EL is a coveted mile marker for the achievement of professionals in technology and engineering education, the EL is a recognition for earned attainments for delivering technology and engineering education, the website states. Consideration for the award is based upon documented evidence of leadership/management skills, continuing participation in association education programs, and demonstration of leadership in association, community and personal activities. The Emerging Leader program acknowledges the essential principles of adult learning. It incorporates into the process recognition and credit for work experiences and other accomplishments. The program recognizes those areas of technology and engineering education the EL Board has determined to be most reflective of successful professional attainment that may help in leading one down the path toward the Distinguished Technology and Engineering Professional honor. To be eligible for consideration, technology and engineering educators must: Have at least five years experience as a full-time technology/engineering educator prior to the date of application and have five consecutive years of membership in ITEEA and hold a current membership at the time the EL is awarded, among other considerations.
