Conference

 The Four-State Regional Technology Conference provides an unparalleled opportunity for technology and engineering educators to gain comprehensive professional development and networking experiences. FSRTC provides an excellent forum to feature an idea, technique, or best practice related to learning activities, marketing materials, career guidance, facility design, program design, assessment methods, equity, or classroom and laboratory management
techniques.

"Don't just follow the standard. Set the standard!" 

Register for the Conference!

The Four-State Regional Technology Conference will include several professional development activities for educators over the course of two days. Thursday will include TEECA Competitions and Pre-Conference Industry Tours. Friday will include 24 Interest Sessions that expand over topics from CTE, Technology and Engineering Education, and STEM Education. 

Register now!

Need Funding to Attend the FRSTC?

NOW . . . is the time to start finding financial assistance to attend. There are numerous places to find financial support, and it takes a certain mindset to be successful. Here are some hints:

• Facts to support your case to attend the conference, such as:
  • It is the largest technology and engineering education professional development in the four state area. 
  • Skilled professional educators share their best practice through Integrative STEM Education PreK-12, Career and Technical Education, and Technology & Engineering Education.
  • Educational leaders meet here to network, determine directions, and share decisions on issues that influence the profession.
• Create talking points as to how this conference program could improve education for your students. Don’t forget to share that you will learn more about interdisciplinary approaches to teaching math, reading, and science concepts!
• Stress to the administration that you will be attending an international conference as a representative of the school and district and that it would be an honor to go as an ambassador for the school. Administrators appreciate opportunities to highlight their schools.
• Compile a small budget based upon travel, registration costs, housing, etc., so when asked how much you need, the answer is readily available. A single source may not have all the money you need, but coupled with another, you might get totally funded!

Most technology teachers have found success when applying for professional development monies early in the school year. Don’t wait until the last minute and expect success. When school starts, your funding efforts should start as well! Determine multiple funding sources. If one does not work, another might. The one that doesn’t work this time just may be the place to go next year. Where to look for funding sources...

• Talk to your immediate supervisor about using professional development monies. That person may also be the principal, district curriculum specialist, county supervisor, or a combination of any of these individuals.
• Ask your local PTA for assistance.
• Search for project monies that relate to your school system’s special projects. Sometimes a project on special education, special needs, or some other area of emphasis includes professional development funding. 
• Become friends with local civic groups that support education. For example, the Lions or Rotary Clubs often will support teachers seeking professional development. Assure the group that you would be pleased to give a small report on what you have learned. They will be thrilled to know that they have helped your program and you will have an opportunity to sell your good work to the community.
• Contact your district or state supervisor who deals with technology and engineering education. Frequently, they know of funding, such as the Perkins Legislation or the Math/Science Initiatives, that can be used to help you. You will have to complete paperwork, so start the process now!
• Do a search of local educational foundations. For example, selected companies have national educational funding programs that they wish to go to state or regional company locations. A local representative of a large organization may be able to find funding that will help you.
• Check with your local teachers’ union. You pay dues, and they may have a program that will help you.

Assume that you are going to get funded with every potential source that you ask. You may be surprised to find that the one place where you thought there was no funding, will be your new source. Remember, most of your colleagues are not aware of the potential for funding. That makes your opportunity for success even greater.