Not all of us recognise the generally gloomy tone of your subject associations article (The TES, December 5.

The Design and Technology Association has been working hard to ensure that the services and benefits we provide are carefully matched to members’ needs and, as a result, our membership has been increasing. We also manage a diverse range of curriculum and professional development projects that continue to help all DT teachers, not just members, keep up to date with a rapidly changing, technological subject area. This has enabled us to expand our staff and to return surpluses, which are re-invested in development projects, in each of the last 12 years. Yes, the internet does mean that teachers can access resources and information from a wide range of alternative sources but subject associations provide much more in addition to their publications, resources and websites. We provide teachers, initial teacher educators, local authority advisers and consultants with an opportunity to take an active role within the subject community.

I do not disagree with the views of other subject association chief executives about the reasons why not all teachers join. However, I believe that with the amount and pace of curriculum change taking place now - primary curriculum review, new key stage 3, new GCSEs and diplomas just to start - there has never been a time when it is more important for those involved in subjects and subject teaching to be part of their professional association.

Richard Green, Chief executive, Design and Technology Asociation, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire.