DISTINGUISHED TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATOR "DTE"

2008 DTE RECIPIENTS

ITEA's Distinguished Technology Educator (DTE) designation is a coveted mark of distinction in technology education. It recognizes technology educators who have demonstrated a high level of competence and conscientiousness in the field of technology education.

The term technology is used here; however, an area of study identified by a different title that encompasses the study of technology, innovation, design, and/or engineering education may be substituted.

DTE Overview

ITEA created the Distinguished Technology Educator (DTE) program to provide a means for recognizing outstanding performance and accomplishments in the field of professional technology education. As one of the highest honors for professional achievement in technology education, the DTE designation recognizes the attainments of technology educators.

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 Distinguished Technology Educator 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 education the DTE Board has determined to be most reflective of successful professional attainment.

Objectives

• To encourage a continuing program of professional development for technology educators.
• To encourage self-assessment by offering guidelines for achievement in the profession.
• To recognize educators who have demonstrated a high level of competence and conscientiousness in technology education over a substantial period of time.

Benefits

• Increased respect and recognition by members in the profession.
• Increased professional credibility.
• Increased self-esteem.
• Increased ability to compete in the job market.
• Increased remuneration and job benefits.

Process for Consideration

To be eligible for consideration, technology educators must:

1. Have at least 10 years experience as a full time technology educator prior to the date of application and have 10 consecutive years of member in ITEA and hold a current membership at the time the DTE is awarded.
2. Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in technology education from an accredited institution of higher education.
3. Possess acceptable ability, character, and reputation.
4. Pledge in writing to adhere to the ITEA policy, "This We Believe."
5. Be employed, at the time of application, in a position in technology education.
6. Have served actively on at least one ITEA committee in the five years prior to application.
7. Donate $100 (tax deductible) to the Foundation for Technology Education (FTE) to be used for educational programs. Donation must accompany application. This is a one-time donation regardless of the number of times you apply. Note: An applicant who is denied the DTE designation may request, at his/her discretion, a refund of the FTE donation.
8. Have been a member of an affiliated association for the five most recent years and maintain (hold) current membership.

Procedures for Earning the DTE Designation

STEP 1: Complete the DTE PERSONAL DATA APPLICATION FORM. Save the form to your hard drive so you can continue to work on it until completed.

• Read the entire Personal Data Application Form first for eligibility requirements.
• If extra space is needed, use blank pages at the end of the application. Identify each blank page with the division number and section number(s) of the Personal Data Application Form item(s) to which the information relates.
• Wherever there is a question of accuracy (dates for example) always qualify with "about" or "approximately," but use these notations only when necessary. Do not use alphabetical abbreviations, e.g. IDA.
• Do not duplicate information on the Personal Data Application Form. If you include information in one place, do not repeat it elsewhere on the form.
• Fill in all applicable point totals on each page as well as on the Score Sheet.
• To be eligible for consideration, a minimum of 650 points must be earned for K-12 classroom teachers and supervisors/administrators, and 950 points must be earned for higher education personnel (depending upon employment classification).
• NOTE: Be accurate and factual in each response. Provide complete information on all items. Remove all guesswork. It is to your advantage to be thorough. When a maximum point total is indicated, DO NOT EXCEED IT on the score sheet.
• Read and check the pledge to adhere to ITEA's This We Believe.
• Save transcripts or a copy of your diploma as a PDF file that can be uploaded along with the Personal Data Application Form during the electronic submission process (Step 2). Recheck all items on the Personal Data Application Form carefully before going to Step 2 in the process.

STEP 2: Complete the DTE ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION.

• Browse your hard drive and upload your completed DTE PERSONAL DATA APPLICATION FORM, along with transcripts or copy of diploma.
• Fill out credit card information to donate $100 to the Foundation for Technology Education (FTE).
• Click the "Submit DTE Files" button to upload your files. Only click the button once. Wait until you see the "Thank You" page.

Use of DTE Designation

As a Distinguished Technology Educator (DTE), the technology educator may use the DTE designation following his or her name on letterhead, business cards, and other forms of address.

Revocation of DTE

Designation recognition may be revoked for failure to abide by ITEA's "This We Believe" Code providing the technology educator is notified of the views of the complainant and offered a hearing by the DTE Board. This notice shall be given in writing at least 30 days in advance of the hearing.

Administration

Responsibility for administering the DTE program rests with the DTE Board, appointed by the president of the ITEA Board of Directors. Members of the DTE Board serve a five-year term, with one member's term expiring each year.

The president of ITEA or a designee serves as secretary and is responsible for the implementation of the policies established by the DTE Board.

The DTE Board has no authority in determining who shall engage in technology education. Non-recognition does not indicate the person is unqualified to practice technology teaching, only that such a person has not fulfilled the DTE requirements or applied for the recognition.

The term technology is used throughout this document; however, an area of study identified by a different title that encompasses the study of industry and technology in education may be substituted.

All documents and data submitted for the DTE recognition by an applicant are kept confidential prior to final notification of the award.

For more information on the Distinguished Technology Educator program contact the International Technology Education Association, 1914 Association Drive, Suite 201, Reston, VA 20191-1539; (703) 860-2100; fax (703) 860-0353; itea@iteaconnect.org.

Important Notice: Do not use any information or forms that were developed and or revised prior to May, 2008.