In 1930, representatives from five leading Bible institutes met in Chicago to discuss the formation of an organization which could standardize a curriculum for training Sunday School teachers. Moody Bible Institute, The Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now BIOLA University), Philadelphia Biblical University, Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School (now Northwestern College) and Tyndale College became charter members of the International Bible Institute Council of Christian Education (IBICCE).

On May 16, 1931, a group of seven men met in the Philadelphia offices of the Sunday School Times to discuss mutual concerns regarding the great need of training Sunday School teachers. This gathering had its roots in the IBICCE which had been founded one year earlier. The major topic of discussion was whether an organization was needed that could provide impetus to a new wave of teacher training in evangelical churches. The consensus of the group was to change the name of the IBICCE to the Evangelical Teacher Training Association (ETTA), shortened in 1987 to ETA.

2005 Yvonne E. Thigpen, President 2002-Present ETA's 75th Anniversary 2000 1995 Dr. Jonathan N. Thigpen, President 1992-2001 tribute     1990   3,000,000th textbook distributed 1985 Dr. Richard Patterson, President 1987-1992 name changed to ETA in 1989 membership of 210 schools 1980       1975 Dr. Paul E. Loth, President 1961-1987 tribute   purchase of 110 Bridge St. building 2,000,000th textbook distributed 1970   membership of 170 1965   1,000,000th textbook distributed 1960   Rev. D. Kenneth Reisinger, President 1955-1961 membership of 150 schools 1955 500,000th textbook distributed 1950 Dr. Gordon C. Davis, President 1950-1952   membership of 164 schools 1945     Dr. R.A. Forrest, President 1943-1950   1940 membership of 79 schools 1935     1930 Dr. Robert C. McQuilken, President 1930-1943 Dr. Clarence H. Benson, Founder and President 1952-1954 tribute membership of 59 schools IBICCE changes name to ETTA (Evangelical Teacher Training Association) IBICCE (Int'l Bible Institute Council of Christian Education) started by 5 schools