On April 1, 2025, TCEA welcomed new leaders to our Board of Directors, including 2025 TCEA Board President Dr. Cynthia Sosa. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Sosa to discuss what TCEA means to her, and also her plans for the upcoming year. Here’s what she had to say:
Three Questions for 2025 TCEA Board President Dr. Cynthia Sosa
1. What does being on the TCEA Board of Directors mean to you?
Through and through, I am an educator. So, as I started my career, I learned about the wonderful world of education technology. That was the prime intersection of the 2 things that I love: education and technology. As I continued in my career, I learned about TCEA and I was more passionate about this new and exciting field. I have been a TCEA member for a decade and have chosen to become more involved with the organization as I grew in my expertise in the field and acted on my desire to be more proactive.
Being a board member is fundamentally about being a responsible steward of TCEA’s mission to advance teaching and learning through technology. It means providing strategic oversight, ensuring financial accountability, and working collaboratively with my fellow board members and the executive director to guide the organization towards its goals. It was an important step in my career as I transitioned to more leadership roles amongst peers and to be of service to others. Moreover, serving on the board has helped me to improve my skills and grow my network of colleagues.
This is my sixth year on the board, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished to continue to steer TCEA towards success. I am honored to be in this position and do not take it lightly. I believe in contributing my skills and expertise to support TCEA’s continued growth and impact.
2. What do you want to accomplish as the 2025 Board President?
I was eager to start my presidency this year. In the last few years, the Board of Directors have discussed at length its role considering the growth TCEA has undergone with its content offerings and membership. We have shifted our priorities to now focus on governance, continuing to have discussions and take action to streamline it. This means updating policies, board member roles, and the nomination and election process.
But the work doesn’t stop with just board governance; there are other discussions that need our attention. This year, we will develop a strategic plan for the next 5 years, which will give direction to the Executive Director and staff. While the development is part of shared governance, there should be a focus on ensuring membership growth and engagement, building financial sustainability, and advocacy for this field. There are also other conversations that will transpire about the TCEA’s potential impact in the state, nation, and globally.
It is my intent to continue to strengthen the board of directors offering opportunities to learn more about board governance and providing opportunity for them to lead discussions and add action items. It is building trust to continue to have shared governance and a strong board culture that is effective and strategically focused board. Ultimately, my aim is to lead the board in a way that maximizes TCEA’s mission and vision
3. What has been your favorite TCEA memory?
I absolutely love TCEA and am inspired by everyone I meet through this organization. The staff is so dedicated and talented! Our Executive Director has done a superb job of keeping TCEA the best it can be. My interactions with them and other members are always memorable ones.
While I don’t think I have one specific memorable experience because every new event brings new and favorite memories, I would have to choose my first time attending a TCEA Convention. I was blown away at the myriad of sessions! The keynote speakers, the exhibit hall, the number of attendees and the whole experience from beginning to end. I felt inspired that year to start considering my expertise and somehow transition to a teacher leader for education technology at my previous campus.
I felt inspired to continue pursuing this interest and contribute with my own sessions, as well. This inspiration and confidence to try can only be summed up to the values that TCEA encompasses and how encouraging it can feel. It has been said multiple times, but it feels like a family reunion every convention to catch up with others and renew your purpose. This familiarity is what draws so many to TCEA. You will learn, enjoy, and connect whenever you are at a TCEA event.
Learn More
Want to learn more about Dr. Cynthia Sosa? Check out our press release covering the start of her presidential term.