About the Author
Dr. R. Thomas Wright is one of the leading figures in technology-education curriculum
development in the United States. He is the author or coauthor of many Goodheart-Willcox
technology textbooks. Dr. Wright is the author of Manufacturing and Automation Technology,
Processes of Manufacturing, and Technology. He is the coauthor of Exploring Design, Technology,
& Engineering with Dr. Ryan A. Brown.
Dr. Wright has served the profession through many professional offices. These offices
include President of the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association
(ITEEA) and President of the Council on Technology Teacher Education (CTTE). His work
has been recognized through the ITEEA Academy of Fellows award and Award of Distinc-
tion, the CTTE Technology Teacher Educator of the Year, the Epsilon Pi Tau Laureate Cita-
tion and Distinguished Service Citation, the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the
Governor of Indiana, the Bellringer Award from the Indiana Superintendent of Public
Instruction, the Ball State University Faculty of the Year Award and George and Frances
Ball Distinguished Professorship, and the EEA-Ship Citation.
Dr. Wright’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Stout State
University, a master of science degree from Ball State University, and a doctoral degree
from the University of Maryland. His teaching experience consists of 3 years as a junior
high instructor in California and 37 years as a university instructor at Ball State Univer-
sity. In addition, he has also been a visiting professor at Colorado State University; Oregon
State University; and Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia.
Technology Student Association (TSA)
Modular Activities
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a nonprofit, national student organiza-
tion devoted to teaching technology education to young people. TSA’s mission is to inspire
the organization’s student members to prepare for careers in a technology-driven economy
and culture. The demand for technological expertise is escalating in American industry.
Therefore, TSA’s teachers strive to promote technological literacy, leadership, and problem
solving to their student membership.
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