ITEEA extends deep appreciation
for its sponsorship of the
21st Century Leadership Academy
as well as its long-time support of ITEEA.
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News Release: ITEEA Announces 21st Century Leadership Academy Class of 2024-25
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ITEEA's 21st Century Leadership Academy (21CLA) was established in 2006 as an initiative to facilitate leadership development within ITEEA and the technology and engineering education profession. The goal is to create tomorrow's most successful and respected technology and engineering leaders, consultants, and strategic thinkers.
The 21CLA empowers dedicated educators to develop new knowledge and skills and become more effective leaders in the technology and engineering profession. Past Academy participants have included graduate students; early career university faculty members; elementary, middle, and high school teachers; and supervisors and administrators. Since its formation, the 21CLA has provided over 90 educators the opportunity to network with colleagues and peers, connect with and learn from established leaders, and participate in online and face-to-face leadership development activities.
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Congratulations to the following individuals who were selected from a very competitive pool of applicants to comprise the 2024-2025 cohort! |
Cynthia Bednara is a mathematics educator at Southwestern Illinois College as well as an educator at Collinsville Community Unit District 20 in Illinois. At Collinsville High School, she created and expanded the first competitive robotics team, started the Technology Student Association (TSA) program, developed the first STEM Day experience for district students, and directed multiple teams to the Science and Engineering Research Challenge State and International Competition. At the intermediate and middle school level, she mentored and expanded the first competitive robotics team. Cynthia was named TSA State Advisor of the Year for Illinois in 2022. Prior to becoming an educator, Cynthia was a design engineer/project manager. Cynthia possesses a passion for teaching and helping people with their professional growth - committed to providing a nurturing environment maximizing the potential of every human |
Leah Cheek possesses an extensive background as an early childhood and elementary teacher, and now as a teacher educator. She has a deep-seated passion for integrated STEM education. Her academic and professional journey has equipped her with a diverse skill set, complemented by a Ph.D. candidacy in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Elementary STEM Education at the University of Arkansas. Eager to develop new knowledge and skills and become a more effective leader in technology and engineering education, Leah looks forward to collaborating with professionals who share a commitment to advancing transformative learning experiences that foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong passion for learning. |
Dr. Dina Dormer is the Secondary STEM Supervisor in the West Chester Area School District, overseeing the science, mathematics, technology and engineering, computer science, and family consumer sciences departments. She also teaches chemistry as an adjunct instructor at a local university. Dina earned two Master’s degrees (Chemistry, Education), a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, and a certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership while teaching and taking on various administrative roles and responsibilities. She is an Authorized Teacher Effectiveness Coach (ATEC) for ITEEA's Engineering byDesign curriculum and is a MWEE Certified Facilitator. Dina participates in review committees for the Pennsylvania STEELS standards, the PA Science Safety Guidelines, and the PSSA and Keystone exams. |
Mariam Elias is a graduate student at North Carolina State University in the Department of STEM Education where she has demonstrated exceptional engagement and accomplishment. In her roles as an instructor and teaching assistant, Mariam exhibits a noteworthy commitment to creating effective learning environments across various educational settings, including higher education. She has completed a master's degree in Technology Education, and is nearing the completion of her doctorate degree in Teaching and Learning in STEM. Her academic achievements, combined with hands-on teaching experience and a profound understanding of STEM and graphics education, position her as a driving force in advancing the field. |
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Trey Moore has been a technology, engineering, and design educator for over 25 years, working with middle and high school students. Over the the course of his career, Trey has served on curriculum development teams and presented at professional conferences. Now he is seeking to provide support for non-traditional, alternatively certified technology education teachers to enable them to continue the central technology education practices associated with making and doing. |
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Shelly A. Muñoz is a visionary global education consultant and STEM leader with a passion for fostering community-based entrepreneurship and advancing UN Sustainability Goals in middle and high schools worldwide. With a proven track record in curriculum development, program innovation, and equity advocacy, Shelly has co-created impactful STEM electives, organized TED Youth conferences, and pioneered STEM ecosystems across districts and states. As an advocate for marginalized students, Shelly combines educational leadership, policy knowledge, and a commitment to equity, creating transformative learning opportunities and building bridges between diverse communities. |
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With 24 years of experience in the DeKalb County School District, Chandra Porter stands out as an accomplished Engineering and Technology Education teacher at Champion Theme Middle School. Her leadership roles in organizations like the Technology Student Association (TSA), Georgia Engineering and Technology Education Association (GETEA), and Georgia Engineering and Technology Education Division (GAeTED) have garnered her prestigious awards, including Teacher of the Year, ITEEA’s Teacher and Program Excellence Awards, and the Emerging Leader designation. Chandra's unwavering dedication mirrors her commitment to fostering technological literacy and ensuring the success of her students. |
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Chase Rohan is a STEM Specialist with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central VA. In this role he plans for, implements, and evaluates programs, activities, and services leading to Positive Youth Development Outcomes in the area of STEM. Prior to that, he was a Program Director at AmeriCorps at the Boys & Girls Club of Central VA where he implemented and ran STEAM-related programs and projects. Chase also worked as a math educator for five summers. In his extracurricular time, Chase is a busy Acro-Yoga instructor. |
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"Being a part of 21st Century Leadership Academy has given me so many opportunities to meet and work with educators in my field and beyond. I have gained invaluable knowledge and connections with people all over the world."
Blaire Thrasher
2022-23 Cohort Member
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