ITEEA director visits KTC

  Thursday, April 18, 2013 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Steven Barbato, the new executive director of the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), got his first look at Pittsburg State University’s technology and engineering education program on Wednesday.

And it’s safe to say he liked what he saw.

“One of the phrases that keeps coming to my mind is ‘best kept secret,’” Barbato said. “This program really is a gem in terms of having the total package when it comes to teacher preparation.”

Barbato met with John Iley, chairman of PSU’s Department of Technology and Workforce Learning, and faculty members Andy Klenke and Mike Neden. They discussed plans for next year’s Great Gorilla Games, upcoming projects and the state of technology and engineering education.

“I would like to see any Division I school even come close to what you have here at Pittsburg State,” Barbato said. “This is very impressive. I’ve seen a lot of programs that have projects and a lot that take a theory approach, but none have combined it into the total package that you have here.”

The ITEEA is a professional organization for technology, innovation, design, and engineering educators.  Its mission is to promote technological literacy for all by supporting the teaching of technology and engineering and promoting the professionalism of those engaged in these pursuits.

Barbato was named the group’s executive director in November 2012.

While in Pittsburg, he also toured Pitsco, a leading developer of technology and engineering education products and curriculum. He also visited Pittsburg High School to tour its Center of Applied Learning technology lab.