Greeting to all Technology Education professionals:
Returning from our 2009 VTEA Summer Conference, I am pleased to report that we had over 246 Technology
Education teachers in attendance. Since I’m the only Technology Education teacher in my school, I find the
annual listing of workshops my major source for learning new technologies, having discussions with the many
vendors that come , and most important is the renewal of old friendships and new contacts from networking with
others.
I realize we have about 1200 Technology Education teachers in our state and find it sad that only about
1/5th of us come to the conference each year. The recertification points are enough for some to attend.
Most of us have our registrations and motels paid for by our school systems. Then since it is only our
time we are giving away, I find no better way to get my mind focused on the upcoming school year.
Shortly we expect to have a new and more expansive website. Due to work, lead by Elizabeth Jowett and others,
we can now find more information about our work and careers here. Please send your comments as to what you like
and what you would like to see on the site to us.
It is an important time to be a professional Technology Education teacher in our state. With the STEM focus,
we all individually need to keep current on what is happening in the legislature, and not rely solely on a
committee of the VTEA. I have always believed we are our own best resources and now is the time to publish,
share our problem solving skills with other faculty at our schools, and take local leadership to insure our
continued existence. Newer courses developed in Geospatial Technology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology all
need to be in our curriculum and not farmed out to the science or math departments.
As for me, I am a new hire in the Page County School system. I taught Technology Education at Rappahannock
County High School for 25 years with an active TSA chapter each year. Over the years, my students have made
me look really good as an educator and I have only provided the opportunities. Page County built a new high
school this year and wanted to develop Technology Education for the first time at Luray. I am finding this
to be a challenge since I’m the new kid on the block and teaching different classes.
I am active in the local Ruritan club (Zone Governor and on District Cabinet), an assistant scoutmaster for
Troop 289, have a series of woodturnings in a local gift shop and enjoy being a parent. My oldest son will
be a junior at UNC, with my other 3 children attending Rappahannock County High School this year. My wife is
my grammar and spell checker since she has taught 5th grade Language Arts in Rappahannock as long as we have
been married. I am serving as a trustee of Luray United Methodist Church and have my spiritual priorities in
order.
I ask everyone reading this to do your part. I look forward to seeing you in the Blue Ridge region for our
next conference in August. Before this the ITEA conference will be in Charlotte, NC, March 18-20. Being so
close to us, we will all have an easier time with expenses on attending. My personal goal is to encourage
visibility and professional standards of the VTEA this year. I would love to personally speak to every one
of you. I have not met a Technology Education teacher I have not grown to like. We are special folks in our
schools and community. With skills developed over the years, my daughter believes I can build or repair
anything I want. At least I tell her this and when something stumps me, I reply with I don’t really want this
anyway. Keep in touch with requests and comments to keep the entire board working. I stay humbled to serve
you and will do my best.
Ron Vickers
VTEA President 2009-2010
