Key points:
- Successful K-12 professional organizations prioritize education, not technology
- Key questions that unleash powerful PLCs
- Advancing digital equity through teacher leadership
- For more news on K-12 professional organizations, visit eSN’s Educational Leadership hub
Since its official founding in 1994, the Tennessee Educational Technology Association (TETA) has been a driving force in uniting K-12 leaders across the state, championing the advancement of education through innovative technology integration.
Over the past 31 years, TETA’s membership has grown from a small group of dedicated technologists to a robust professional learning community that includes a diverse array of roles. TETA’s collaborative approach and adaptive philosophy have supported its steady growth and made it a replicable model for K-12 professional organizations nationwide.
The origins of TETA
Much of TETA’s success and longevity can be attributed to its founding members, who hailed from various regions of Tennessee and understood the collective need to provide the support and professional development that technology coordinators and educational staff needed to navigate the new technology landscape in the late 1980s and early 1990s. From the very beginning, the focus for these members was on education–not the technology itself–and building a community where individuals could seek guidance and information from one another.
To foster strong relationships among its members, TETA formed three regional groups: West TETA (WTETA), Middle TETA (MTETA), and East TETA (ETETA). Leaders from each group would then meet to ensure alignment across the state. While the original framework has become more formalized over time, its core structure remains intact. Members continue to meet in person once a month with their regional groups and engage in various professional strands, cohort groups, and events with the broad membership group throughout the year.
“No matter what role we play, the camaraderie and networking within TETA mean we’re never alone,” said Beth Lockhart, personalized learning facilitator at Lenoir City Schools, ETETA president, and TETA vice chair. “Whether you’re in a small or large district, TETA connects us with a statewide knowledge base that helps us all succeed.”
Sustaining and growing the organization
One of the key factors in TETA’s sustained growth has been its ability to evolve with the changing landscape of educational technology. TETA’s membership has expanded from technology coordinators and IT staff to teachers, instructional coaches, and virtual school educators. This inclusivity has allowed TETA to remain responsive to the needs of its members.
The organization has also been proactive in providing professional development and certification opportunities to its members. In addition to offering three learning networks, TETA hosts two major conferences each year: the Summer Institute Conference and the Tennessee Educational Technology Conference (TETC). These events offer a platform for educators to learn about the latest trends in educational technology, share best practices, and network with peers. TETA also hosts a yearly Administrators Technology Academy, which is designed to inform administrators of new and innovative ways to implement technology with the goal of improving student learning.
“TETA is committed to helping our members grow–whether that’s through supporting CETL certification or offering training opportunities,” said Ashley Rust, CTO at White County Schools and MTETA president.
Another significant aspect of TETA’s growth has been its strategic partnerships. Jill Pierce, TETA’s executive director, has spearheaded efforts to align TETA with several national organizations, including CoSN, SETDA, NCTET, Access4 Learning, the Student Data Privacy Consortium, and K12 SIX. “TETA’s active involvement with national organizations keeps our members informed on critical and timely issues like cybersecurity, regulatory developments, and student data privacy,” said Pierce. “These connections enable our members to grow professionally and deliver valuable insights back to the education technology community.”
Paving the way for female leaders in technology
TETA is also breaking new ground in leadership representation. This year, each of TETA’s regional chapters is led by a female president, and the organization’s executive director is also a woman.
“I’m incredibly proud that we have four women in leadership positions,” said Kathy Ross, Director of Technology at Fayette Academy and WTETA President. “The progress that we’ve made together is about more than just titles–it’s about setting an example. It’s a big deal to have women in tech, to see them involved, advancing, and paving the way for others to follow.”
Future goals
TETA’s current leaders understand that the organization’s success and longevity stems from active members’ participation and leadership, and they recognize the critical role member engagement will continue to play in sustaining TETA’s future. “Our goals and strategic vision revolve around our membership and focus on how we can continue to provide opportunities that enable our members to support all K-12 staff members–ranging from brand-new teachers to veteran educators,” said Jason Winkler, instructional technology supervisor at Arlington Community Schools and TETA board chairman. “At every board meeting, we review member feedback. It’s a constant process of reflection and growth, because what worked 10 years ago likely won’t work today.”
A blueprint for success
For other education technology leaders and associations looking to replicate TETA’s success, there are five key takeaways:
- It is essential to create a vision and mission that prioritizes education and not the technology itself
- Inclusivity and adaptability are essential–both foster a sense of belonging and collaboration, which is vital for the growth and sustainability of any organization
- Providing a variety of professional development and in-person and virtual networking opportunities, such as monthly regional meetings, learning networks, and certification opportunities, ensures members have the support and resources they need to navigate the ever-changing landscape of education technology
- Strategic alliances with national organizations are essential to keep members equipped with timely, impactful resources and information
- Fostering a culture of listening, transparency, respect, and open dialogue strengthens trust, empowers members to share diverse perspectives, and drives innovation
Conclusion
By staying true to its mission and adapting to the changing needs of its members, TETA has created a successful model that can be replicated by other education associations. As the landscape of educational technology continues to evolve, TETA’s commitment to professional growth and support will continue to benefit K-12 school districts, not only in Tennessee but across the nation.
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