Leadership. Passion. Creativity.
These are a few of the words that can be used to describe the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association (TEECA). TEECA is more than just a registered student organization; the association is a group of students who are passionate about leadership and making an impact on society.
Training future engineers
TEECA hosts a popular event called Technology Day. For the past 15 years, every fall semester, over 300 high school and middle school students gather in the Bone Student Center to participate in various science and engineering challenges that encourage them to think outside the box. For example, last year the participants were challenged to create a tower that could stand and hold a golf ball.
In the past, Technology Day would involve a robotics competition segment. However, this has grown to become an official event called Vox Robotics. With changing objectives every year, over 20 high schools pay for their students to be involved in this robotics competition.
For student leader Jordyn Imana, the opportunity offers her teaching experience, but she is also happy to train high school students and get them to think like engineers even before college.
The best part of organizing these events is the consistency and results. Every year, certain students keep returning, and now some of those students are technology majors. The high school students are inspired by current TEECA students and want to be technology majors and to help other students become engineers as well.
TEECA’s opportunities for members
TEECA also opens up exciting opportunities to its members; one of which is professional development. Students are encouraged to attend sponsored national conferences for technology and engineering teachers where they can get ideas for lesson plans and compete against other colleges.
TEECA students also develop leadership skills by volunteering for department events, working for Habitat for Humanity, interacting with junior high and high school students, and attending conferences. TEECA also provides direct work experience for its members. Students go beyond the classroom in order to be prepared to be teachers upon graduation.
Creativity
TEECA students have developed interesting ways to fund the organization. One of them is “Pizza Thursday,” which happens in the corridors of Turner Hall. The students sell pizza every Thursday from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. TEECA has been very creative on campus with noteworthy side projects. For example, the podium used for graduation was built by TEECA.
Are you interested in learning more about TEECA or other student organizations in the Department of Technology? Check out Tec.IllinoisState.edu/Student-Life.
What students have to say about TEECA
“The sense of community and networking is great. I have been able to make connections with current teachers, and others that want to become teachers.” – Jordyn Imana
“It’s about the networking and getting close to students and professors. Being a mentor to younger TEECA students is very fulfilling. For example, it’s great to be able to help out freshmen, as well as high school and middle schoolers.” – Josh Katz
“I love the sense of professionalism. It makes me feel like I’m already a teacher. It lets you know that you are in the right field and you have the right network.” – Jarod Battisto
