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IIATE Journal
Editorial

IIATE Journal

David Ellis
Institute of Industrial Arts Technology Education, Vol.4(1)
2017

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Abstract

Welcome to our first IIATEJ edition for 2017. We have had some recent changes to the IIATE structure with the welcoming of a new President. Grant will have his opportunity for a few words later on, but before that, I personally am very pleased to say a few words to our parting President Ruth Thompson. I don’t know whether it is an Industrial Arts trait of ‘seen it all before’, and I’m certainly not going to ask any past students for comments regarding Ruth’s disposition, but any of you who have worked with Ruth over the years can certainly testify, that she would have to be one of the calmest people I know. Ruth has never been a ‘bragger’, and coupled with her composure is her modesty regarding her amazing achievements as an educator and leader. When I call Ruth an educator, I am not just referring to her work in a secondary Industrial Arts classroom. As our first ‘Churchill Fellow’ in 1998, Ruth investigated how Technology Education is understood and taught with a focus on the principles of design in four countries around the globe. Using this knowledge Ruth has spent her career disseminating what she knows in providing perspective to both the development, and delivery of curriculum. As you will find out in David Barlex’s insight into what’s happening in England, it is this global understanding from educated people such as Ruth who have helped to shape the NSW curriculum in a way that has enabled it to be a secure, contemporary, rigorous, and appropriate curriculum over the years. Ruth has been an exceptional leader, conversant in cutting edge technologies and leads by example. In her role of Head Technology (industrial Engineering and Information) at Bossley Park HS, her willingness to test out new technologies in the classroom, then share this information, has certainly provided leadership to her staff and the TechEd community through professional learning opportunities at ‘hands on’ events. Her time on the IIATE presidency throne has been excellent, where she has continued to build on the foundations established by past presidents. During Ruth’s time as president, we have seen the emergence of STEM in Australia, where her knowledge, and understanding of STEM, in particular STEM in a USA context, has enabled her to advise stakeholders in the role of STEM in Australian education. Even though Ruth has passed on the baton, we know that she will be busy continuing to offer professional learning opportunities to teachers, participating at the IIATE and international conferences, and enjoying her woodwork. Three cheers for Ruth! Dave Ellis.

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