Ball State's teacher preparation program in the Department of Industry and Technology was named the Outstanding Technology Education Program for 2005-06 by the Council for Technology Teacher Education. The award was presented last month at the 68th annual conference of the International Technology Education Association (ITEA).

"The Technology Teacher Education major at Ball State has long been one of the premier programs in the nation, and we are pleased to be recognized at our international convention," said Richard Seymour, program coordinator. "The outstanding program recognition for 2005-06 reflects the fine faculty and students in our program, not just this past year but for the past decades."

ITEA is the international organization that promotes technology education at the K-12 and collegiate levels. The Outstanding Technology Education Program award, presented by the ITEA-affiliated Council that represents collegiate programs, is based on national involvement, contributions to the profession and the success of graduates. To be eligible for the award, a program must meet several stringent requirements and may not reapply for five years after being named a recipient. Ball State was previously honored with this award in 1997.

Students in the Ball State Technology Education Club also participated in five Technology Education Collegiate Association (TECA) events, bringing home plaques in four of the contests. Ball State technology education students won the national title in the TECA Technology Challenge — a quiz bowl event among 17 colleges and universities — and finished first in the Kelvin Technologies Transportation Contest.

"Winning two of the six possible first-place awards is really impressive," Seymour said. "It shows how well Ball State students are prepared through our departmental courses and laboratory experiences."

Ball State also placed fourth in the PITSCO Problem Solving and the TECA Teaching Lesson events. Six Ball State faculty and 12 students from the technology teacher education program attended the conference, which was held in Baltimore.

ITEA conference presentations were given by Ball State professors Jim Flowers, Annette Rose and Ray Shackelford. Seymour also ran the ITEA Boot Camp pre-conference workshop, a special session for first-year teachers. All technology teacher education faculty participated in committee work for ITEA or one of its affiliated councils.

By Kari Jones