The inaugural Teach Engineering Champions Institute (TECI) was held August 4-6, 2025, at the University of Colorado in Boulder. TECI is an annual professional development workshop designed to train Teach Engineering Champions (TEC) in engineering pedagogy, design and mindset. Curriculum is based on the Teach Engineering (TE) free digital library of more than 2,000 lessons and activities designed for the K-12 classroom. TECI offers participants advanced training, resources and networking opportunities to deepen their understanding of engineering education and enhance their ability to lead the integration of engineering principles in STEM: K-12 classrooms.
This first cohort convened at the top of The Gamow Tower, providing an exceptional vantage point with a 360-degree view of the campus green spaces and historical architecture. Participants were inspired by the view of the iconic Flatirons, a series of five distinct rock formations known for their dramatic, slanted shape and their prominent rise at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills.
The Champions included education professionals from Oregon, Northern and Southern California, New Mexico, Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Upstate New York, North Carolina and Massachusetts. Each Champion brought a unique and valuable perspective to TECI based on their experience and knowledge as STEM educators and professionals.
The Champions participated in a two-day professional development workshop dedicated to engineering design curriculum, human-centered design, rapid prototyping and embodied experiential learning. After completing the workshop, Champions returned to their home states with a ‘toolkit’ of resources to support their local community and constituents with the Teach Engineering curriculum. TECI faculty members included professors from the College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, directors at the Center for STEM Learning, members of the Teach Engineering staff and consultants from the Center for Technology Workforce Innovation.
Feedback from Champions was favorable. One Champion noted, “You give an avenue for me, and the rest of the Champions, to share and extend what engineering is all about. Your energy and motivation for this program inspire me to do my best.”
Another Champion wrote, “This was a great opportunity to connect with other folks passionate about introducing, inspiring, and supporting students in engineering. I learned so much!”
The next TECI will take place in June 2026, with applications opening February 1, 2026.
The Teach Engineering Champions Institute was developed and is managed by the team at TeachEngineering.org. Teach Engineering is part of the Center for Technology Workforce Innovation at the College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. A nationally recognized, award-winning leader in engineering education, it plays a critical role in supporting the mission and staff of Teach Engineering.
