ABOUT US
The Colorado Technology Education Association is a professional organization for technology, innovation, design and engineering educators. Our 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. CTEA is an affiliate of ITEEA - International Technology and Engineering Educators Association.
Interested in becoming a part of CTEA? Contact one of the board members below:
President
Alicia Gradisar - Email Me
Past President
Marc Finer - Email Me
I have been a member of CTEA since 2001. Over the years my involvement has gone from being a conference attendee, to a conference presenter, to our ITEEA Representative, then Treasurer and now President. I enjoy seeing all my colleagues each and every year at our annual Rocky Mountain States Conference. I especially like seeing the up and coming members of our association start to get more involved, whether it’s by presenting at the conference, joining or chairing a conference committee or stepping up to hold an officer position.
I started my career in 1998 as a Technology Education teacher in Massachusetts. Since moving to Colorado in 2001 I have been teaching Technology Education at Newton Middle School in Littleton. I am extremely fortunate at my school to have a program that introduces students to a wide variety of technological areas. My students have the opportunity to design and build in a wood shop, a metal shop/graphic design printing area, as well as a brand new research and design lab.
Treasurer
Rob Combs - Email Me
I have been a member of CTEA for the past 9 years. During those 9 years, I was CTEA President in 2012-2014, and 2015-2016, past-President in 2014-2015, and am now the current Treasurer. I take great pride in being a part of the leadership team for CTEA and look forward to the direction we are headed.
I have been a CTE Pre-Engineering teacher for the past 16 years at Grandview High School in the Cherry Creek School District. My focus is on Computer Aided Design and Engineering Design with emphasis on Solidworks and CNC Machining. I am also the acting Department Head for the Computer Science/Pre-Engineering Department at Grandview. I am a Certified Solidworks Associate (CSWA) and Certified Solidworks Professional (CSWP) certification holder. In addition to teaching, I am an assistant varsity football coach (18th year) and an assistant varsity wrestling coach (12th year).
When not at Grandview, I love hanging out with my incredible and supportive family: wife Angie, daughters Cora (8) and Brenley (6), and son Caden (4). They keep me balanced no matter how crazy life/work gets.
Secretary
Kent Allison - Email Me
I have been a member of CTEA for the past 6 years. The thing I love about our organization is the camaraderie and sense of community. I feel we are a great group of educators and professionals that truly care for students by incorporating CTE in our classrooms.
I have been teaching Technology and Engineering for the past 15 years at Mountain Vista High School. Previously 5 years at Heritage High School, where I taught Business, ACE and Computers as well as served as the TSA Co-Sponsor. I serve as the Department Chair of the Technology, Engineering and Computer Sciences at MVHS and had the opportunity to incorporate Solidworks, CNC Machining and Additive Manufacturing within our courses while instituting and growing our Engineering program. I also had the privilege to start MVHS’s first TSA Chapter and have grown the chapters to over 100 members.
When not teaching, I enjoy DIY projects at home, coaching my kids’ lacrosse and football teams, and being with my amazing family: wife Katie (Math Teacher at MVHS, TSA Co-Sponsor), son Sean (14) and daughter Erin (11).
ITEEA Rep
Jared Merrill - Email Me
Presenter Chair
Benjamin Nuebel - Email Me