Dr. Steve Shumway, a teacher educator that has been with the BYU Technology and Engineering Studies department for over 32 years, attended ITEEA’s 2026 Conference expecting to receive one award but left with two prestigious accolades from his peers.
The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) awarded Shumway the Wilkinson Meritorious Service Award in November 2025, inviting him to receive it at the conference in March 2026. The award is one of ITEEA’s highest honors and was determined by a committee of peer reviewers.
However, unknown to him, the Council on Technology and Engineering Teacher Education (CTETE) for university-level educators within the ITEEA planned with his wife behind the scenes to surprise him with another, even higher distinction at the conference CTETE Business Meeting.
Arriving 30 minutes late because of plane delays and feeling underdressed, Shumway was surprised to be greeted by colleagues as they stopped the meeting and presented him with the Technology and Engineering Teacher of the Year Award, accompanied by a slide presentation summarizing career memories.
This is the highest award given by CTETE, indicating deep respect from professional peers as well as the recipient's leadership in the field.
Because it is initiated by peers and requires an extensive application, the award speaks to one’s character, said Dr. Bradley Bowen, CTETE president and professor at Virginia Tech. Bowen met Shumway when he became secretary of the CTETE under Shumway as president.
“This award is only given to one person each year, and there are many deserving candidates, but Dr. Shumway’s accomplishments have solidified him as a leader in the field,” Bowen said.
Shumway’s leadership in over 30 years of service to the ITEEA, various boards and councils, local and international contributions to professional development, and projects overseas in the Dominican Republic, Ghana, and Korea have allowed him to “[provide] pedagogical perspectives and positively [advocate] for Christ-like teaching,” said his colleague, Dr. Scott Bartholomew.
Bartholomew deems Shumway one of the most well-known educators in the state because of his skill and personality.
“Accompanying him through the halls of a school during a state conference is a futile effort—every teacher you pass knows him and wants to visit with him,” Bartholomew said. “He strikes a unique balance of cowboy-charm, wit, and humor.”
Dr. Geoff Wright, another BYU TES colleague, says that Shumway uses his influence to boldly share his faith and testimony along with excellent pedagogy, or the practice of teaching.
“He has a wonderful character where people love to serve and work with him because of his gregarious nature, respect for others, and love for the profession,” Wright said. “I believe his efforts have helped position BYU as one of the most well known and respected schools in our profession.”
Shumway was the first BYU faculty member to receive the Teacher of the Year Award since the profession began in 1939. He was humbled to represent the university and to be recognized for his full career.
“Many years ago, as a young faculty member, I secretly hoped that someday I would be considered to receive the award, and it felt rewarding to finally have my dream come true,” Shumway said.