Connect FCS ED

•  First, let’s talk about CTSOs or Career and Technical Student Organizations. These groups provide students with opportunities to develop leadership and technical skills that can be applied in their future careers. As an advisor of a CTSO, you’ve been instrumental in guiding students toward their goals. This is a great experience to highlight in your cover letter and resume.

•  When writing your cover letter, include your experience as an advisor and provide specific examples of how you’ve helped students succeed. For example, you can mention how you provided support and guidance to a group of students struggling with academic performance, or how you’ve helped students plan for their post-secondary education.

• Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities: Instead of simply listing your job duties, highlight your accomplishments and how they have contributed to the success of your previous roles. Use quantifiable data and specific examples to demonstrate your impact.

• For example: Served a low-income population, and an underperforming school (and school district). Helped move the graduation rate from 76% to 85%, through consistency, and implementing school-wide policies.  Increased standards in discipline, teaching from bell to bell, and implementing the no cell phone policy.  Participated in the PLCs.  Completed the mentor-training program, so I could be a mentor to new staff.  

•  Keep it concise and easy to read: Hiring managers often have many resumes to review, so make sure your resume is easy to read and visually appealing. Use bullet points and clear headings to break up sections and make the information easy to digest. Additionally, limit your resume to two pages if possible.Formatting is key to success!

• Example:  The three most common resume formats are chronological, functional and combination. When deciding which resume format you should use, consider your professional history and the role you’re applying for. For example, if you have limited work experience, you might instead focus on academic work, volunteer positions or apprenticeships with a functional resume instead of a chronological resume, which prioritizes job history.

•  Update your contact information and online presence: Make sure your resume includes your current contact information, including a professional email address and phone number. You should also review and update your online presence, including social media profiles, to ensure they align with your professional brand.

• For Example Your LinkedIn profile to match your resume. Keep your headline and summary consistent: Your headline and summary on LinkedIn should be consistent with your resume. Use the same job title and description to describe your experience and expertise. This will help recruiters and hiring managers easily recognize your skills and experience when comparing your resume and LinkedIn profile.

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• Let's start with closing down your FCS lab/classroom. It's important to begin with inventory, taking stock of all your equipment, tools, and supplies. This will help you determine what needs to be repaired, replaced, or ordered for the upcoming school year. Additionally, proper maintenance and cleaning of equipment should be performed to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.

• Inventory is an important aspect of closing down an FCS classroom/lab. It is essential to take an accurate inventory of all the items in the lab, including equipment, tools, materials, and supplies. This inventory will help you determine what needs to be disposed of, what can be stored for the next school year, and what needs to be ordered or replaced.

•  OR your Sewing & Textiles labs- Sewing and embroidery machines in FCS classes should also be serviced and maintained before closing down the classroom. This includes cleaning and oiling the machines, replacing any worn or broken parts, and ensuring they are stored in a dry and secure location. It is also important to inventory these machines and any accompanying accessories, such as needles and thread, to ensure everything is accounted for and in good condition for the next school year. Additionally, if any repairs or replacements are needed, it's best to take care of them during the summer months to avoid any delays or disruptions during the school year.

• Now let's talk about grants and scholarship opportunities for FCS educators. There are several grants and scholarship opportunities available for FCS educators that can enhance their classroom experience. The USDA offers several grants that can help you enhance your classroom and provide hands-on learning experiences for your students. For example, the Resident Instruction Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas and Agriculture and Food Sciences Facilities and Equipment grant can help you acquire equipment and resources that can enhance your students' learning experiences. The Renewable Resources Extension Act - National Focus Fund Projects grant can also help you develop innovative curricula and provide hands-on learning experiences for your students which supports innovative curricula and provides training and outreach to rural communities.

•  Additionally, the Home Baking Association offers an award for FCS educators who focus on baking education and its interdisciplinary benefits to young people. The award includes a $1,000 prize and entries must be submitted by May 31st, 2023.

•  These grants and scholarships can provide valuable resources and support for FCS educators, allowing them to enhance their classrooms and provide better learning experiences for their students. Educators should take advantage of these opportunities and apply for the grants and scholarships that best suit their needs and goals.

If you are looking for more grants and scholarship opportunities, visit https://www.fcsed.net/prepare/prepare-scholarships for a complete list.

           Check out the latest blog post: Closing down your FCS classroom and Lab!                                                                                                                              

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To start off, I am going to give you a brief overview  of what  vocabulary  tiers are and why they're important in the Family and Consumers Sciences classroom.

• Tier 1 words are the most common words used in everyday conversations.  They are words that students are likely to already know, such as "house", "food", and "clothing."
• Tier 2 words are less common words that students may encounter in academic settings. These are words like "nutrition", "Sustainable", and "conservation."
• Tier 3 words are the most specialized words used in specific career fields, such as "dietetics",  "textile", and  "interior design."

Again, vocabulary tiers refer to different levels of words, with tier 1 words being the most common and basic, while tier 3 words are the most complex and specific.

So, why is it important to understand these tiers? By understanding the different types of vocabulary words, teachers can better select the words they want to focus on teaching, and in turn, help their students build a stronger vocabulary. Now let's talk about some strategies for teaching vocabulary in your FCS classes. There are several strategies that teachers can use effectively integrate vocabulary tiers into your instruction.

1. One of the most effective strategies is to provide students with context. When students understand the context in which a word is used, they are more likely to remember it and be able to use it in their own writing and speaking.  For example, teachers can use repeated exposure to the words in context through reading, writing, and speaking activities.
2. Another strategy is to encourage students to use new vocabulary words in their own writing. For example, you could have students write a journal entry using as many Tier 2 words as they can, or have them write a story using both Tier 1 and Tier 2 words. Teachers can assess students' understanding of vocabulary through formative  and summative assessments.
3. Finally, using visual aids, such as flashcards, posters, and graphic organizers, can help students better understand and retain new vocabulary words. This is where students are provided with explicit vocabulary instruction by using direct teaching methods, such as defining and explaining words, using real-life examples, and creating visual aids.

As Family and Consumer Sciences teachers, you can integrate these strategies by incorporating hands-on activities and projects that allow students to use the words in context. For example, teachers can have students use semantic mapping to connect new cooking terms in their existing knowledge of food preparation. Teachers can also use word sorts to help students categorize different cooking techniques and ingredients. Finally, teacher-led discussions can be used to help students engage in meaningful conversations about the different aspects of cooking and food preparation where students engage in dialogue about the words and their meanings, which is also a powerful vocabulary strategy.

So, those are just a few strategies for teaching vocabulary in the Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. By incorporating these strategies into your instructional practices, you'll be helping your students build a stronger vocabulary and better prepare them for their future successes in their future careers.

• Will you describe your journey with career and technical education?

• Do you have any new exciting projects you are working on?

•  What is your vision for CTE in the next decade wtih your new role as VP for the ACTE Admin Division?

• What are the names of the 3 books you have either co-authored or authored?

CONNECT WITH SANDRA ADAMS, PHD.

• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-adams-ph-d-559531b8/

BOOKS
• PLC in CTE: The power of professional learning communities to create thriving cultures of achievement within career and technical education
• But I am NOT a reading teacher!: Literacy Strategies for Career and Technical Educators
• Diving In to Strategic Thinking: A Teacher's Field Guide to Depth of Knowledge
                                                                                   

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• Tell me about the over purpose of the campaign? The Elevate FCS campaign is a nationwide effort to raise awareness and recognition for the field of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and the professionals who work in it. The campaign aims to showcase the diverse career opportunities available within FCS, as well as the impact that FCS professionals have on individuals, families, and communities.

•  How can people get involved in the campaign?  There are several ways that people can get involved in the Elevate FCS campaign. One way is by sharing their own FCS story on social media using the hashtag #ElevateFCS. Additionally, individuals can support the campaign by attending FCS events, advocating for FCS programs in their communities, and engaging with FCS professionals and organizations.

• Is it just for members of the association?  While the campaign is led by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), it is not limited to AAFCS members. Anyone who is interested in promoting and elevating the field of FCS is encouraged to participate.

•  What resources and/or materials are provided? Where can they be accessed?  The Elevate FCS campaign provides a variety of resources and materials for individuals and organizations to use in promoting FCS. These include social media graphics, flyers, fact sheets, and more. These resources can be accessed on the AAFCS website.

•  How do the FCS FRIDAYS connect into ELEVATE FCS?  FCS FRIDAYS is a key component of the Elevate FCS campaign. FCS FRIDAYS is a weekly social media event where individuals and organizations share FCS-related content using the hashtag #FCSFridays. This content can include FCS success stories, resources, and other FCS-related information. FCS FRIDAYS help to promote and elevate the field of FCS on a regular basis, and connect with the larger Elevate FCS campaign to create a collective voice for the field.

CONNECT WITH Toni Wiese
•Email: [email protected]

•AAFCS Website: https://www.aafcs.org/home
•Elevate FCS Webpage: https://www.aafcs.org/elevatefcs

•Elevate FCS Library:  https://www.aafcs.org/myaafcs1/communities/community-home/librarydocuments?LibraryKey=8a20396d-3825-4ad6-bf43-f13b611314fe
•FCS Fridays Page: https://www.aafcs.org/elevatefcs/fcs-friday                                                                                                                                                     

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•  AI is changing the way we live, work, and learn, and as educators, it's our job to prepare our students for this rapidly changing world. By incorporating AI into the FCS classroom, we can help our students develop 21st-century skills, like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. With AI, students can analyze data, identify patterns, and make predictions. This not only helps them understand how AI works but also helps them develop valuable skills that will serve them well in their future careers. After all, we are all about the 21st-century skillset!

•  Another benefit of integrating AI into the FCS classroom is increased engagement and motivation. When students work with AI, they're not just passively receiving information, they're actively creating, testing, and refining algorithms. This hands-on experience is much more engaging than simply reading about AI in a textbook. It also allows students to see the real-world applications of what they're learning, making the material more meaningful and relevant.

•  Are you curious on how you can integrate AI into your classroom yet? Well here are two suggestions on how you can use AI for a Foods class and/or Clothing and Construction class:

•  AI-Powered Recipe Recommendation System: In this activity, students will use AI to create a personalized recipe recommendation system. First, students will compile a database of recipes, including ingredients and cooking methods. Next, they will use AI algorithms, to analyze the data and make recommendations based on the ingredients the student inputs. The goal is to help students understand how AI can be used to personalize recommendations and make their lives easier.

•  These activities are engaging, and innovative, and provide students with valuable hands-on experience with AI technology. By integrating AI into the FCS classroom, students can develop 21st-century skills, become more engaged and motivated, and prepare for the future. Embracing AI in education is not only important but necessary. By integrating AI into the FCS classroom, we can help our students develop valuable skills, increase engagement and motivation, and prepare them for the future. So let's embrace AI in education and start incorporating it into our classrooms today.

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•  Technology has become an essential part of our daily lives, and it's no different in the classroom. It has the potential to enhance student learning and engagement, but it's important to remember that technology is just a tool, and it's the teaching strategies that come first. As Family and Consumer Sciences teachers, we have a unique opportunity to help students understand the importance of using technology in their daily lives and careers. However, it's crucial that we prioritize student learning and use technology as a means to achieve this goal.

•  Differentiated instruction: This approach recognizes that students have different learning styles and abilities and adjusts teaching methods to meet the needs of each individual student. At its most basic level, differentiation consists of the efforts of teachers to respond to variance among learners in the classroom. Whenever a teacher reaches out to an individual or small group to vary his or her teaching in order to create the best learning experience possible, that teacher is differentiating instruction.

•  Inquiry-based learning: This approach encourages students to ask questions, explore topics, and make connections between new information and their existing knowledge. This helps students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By putting these teaching strategies first, we can ensure that technology is being used in a way that supports student learning and engagement. Technology should never replace good teaching, but rather enhance it.

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•  FCS education prepares students for adulthood by teaching them how to make informed decisions about important life events, such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement, as well as how to manage their finances, maintain their health, and develop positive relationships with others

•  Contribution to Society: FCS education helps students become productive citizens who are able to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. By fostering positive relationships, good nutrition, and a balanced lifestyle, FCS education helps students develop the skills and habits needed to lead healthy, productive lives. This, in turn, leads to stronger families, communities, and a more robust and vibrant society overall. Additionally, by preparing students for the challenges they will face as adults

•   FCS education is a vital component of public education that should not be overlooked. By providing students with essential life skills, preparing them for adulthood, and fostering their ability to contribute to society, FCS education helps lay the foundation for a brighter future for individuals, families, and communities. It is essential that we invest in this important discipline and recognize its value in preparing our students for success and happiness in all aspects of their lives. 

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• I will share and discuss on 3 topics supporting CTE programs in preparing students for careers in various fields of work.

1. Latest Trends in CTE: 
2. The Importance of Keeping CTE Programs Relevant:
3. The Role of Career and Technical Education Student Leadership Organizations and the benefits of participating in a CTSO.  

• One of the biggest trends in CTE is the increasing emphasis on project-based learning. Project-based learning is a teaching method that involves students in solving real-world problems by working on a project.

•  One of the biggest challenges facing CTE programs is keeping up with the rapidly changing demands of the job market. With new technologies and advancements being introduced all the time, it is essential that CTE programs adapt and evolve to meet these changing needs. 

•  These organizations provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, network with industry professionals, and gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. For example: Organizations like SkillsUSA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in community service projects, and compete in events that showcase their skills. 

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•  Every February, the CTE community comes together to recognize the achievements and impact of CTE programs and to raise awareness about their role in preparing students for college and career success. (00:30)  

• CTE Month provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to show their support for CTE programs and the students who participate in them. By hosting events, recognizing achievements, raising awareness, and engaging with the community, we can help to further the mission of CTE and ensure that all students have the tools and experiences they need to succeed. (1:30) 

• 1. Host events: Organize events such as open houses, tours, demonstrations, or guest speaker presentations to showcase CTE programs and their impact. (1:50)

• 2. Recognize achievements: Celebrate the achievements of CTE students, educators, and partners through awards programs or other recognition initiatives. (2:00 )

• Raise awareness: Share information about CTE and its benefits through social media, local news outlets, or community events. By participating in these activities, individuals and organizations can raise awareness of the impact and importance of Career and Technical Education and celebrate its achievements.(2:30) 

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