SDTEA (formerly San Diego Educational Theatre Association) began in 1995 as a project through the San Diego County Office of Education's Visual and Performing Arts Department.  The initial goal was a networking conference for theatre teachers.

Since 1996, this organization has evolved to include events such as TechFest, Student Leadership Conference, DramaFest and Bravissimo.  The group expanded to a formal governing board that includes arts partners and a county student leadership board.

In 2013, SDTEA became a 501c3 organization.  This organization and its' board continues its dedication to quality theatre arts education in San Diego County.