VATFACS INSTITUTE

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9:00am EDT

Calling All New and Less Experienced FCCLA Advisers

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Discover beginning steps to get your FCCLA off the ground with member and chapter actions. We have the plan for YOU!

Related Career Cluster:

Related Courses:
All Family and Consumer Sciences CTE courses are aligned to FCCLA as their career and technical student organization (CTSO). Correlated standards can be found in the "Additional Resources" section of the course framework on the CTE Resource Center website.

Speakers

Bobbi Comer

State Co-Adviser, Virginia FCCLA

Connie Rhoton

State Co-Adviser, Virginia FCCLA

Kathleen Buchanan

Membership and Adviser Development Coordinator, Virginia FCCLA

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

9:00am EDT

Overview of Virginia's New Quality Measurement and Improvement System (VQB5): What your students need to know to be successful in the early childhood workforce

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

False Cape B

Early Childhood Education and Childhood Development teachers will receive an overview of Virginia's Quality Measurement and Improvement System and the importance of the Ready Regions to support implementation. Presenters will provide resources and a foundational knowledge of the two nationally recognized quality indicators used within the VQB5 initiative: interactions and curriculum.

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Lauren Gray

Assistant Director of Early Childhood Care and Education, Minus 9 to 5 at Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University

Lauren has over twenty years of experience in education as a public school teacher, principal, and director. She's spent nearly half of her career in early learning. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director of Early Childhood Care & Education for Minus 9 to 5, the lead... Read More →

Jodi Roberts

Director of Early Childhood Development, Thrive Birth to Five

Jodi has been in the early care field for over 30 years providing professional development and supports to providers across the state. She was part of the first pilot of Virginia’s Preschool Development Grant (PDG) in 2019 and has continued to support the implementation on the new... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
False Cape B

Educational Session

9:00am EDT

Plant Forward: Improving Health One Meal at a Time

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Cape Charles A

To educate FCS educators on the benefits of plant forward lifestyle and provide practical strategies for integrating plants and plant by products as options in daily meals. To share best practices of how this can be integrated into a FCS class for multiple laboratory sessions.

Related Career Clusters:

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Nutrition and Wellness, 36 weeks
Food Science and Dietetics
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts I
Culinary Arts II

Speakers

Chef Sean G Monts

Culinary Arts Teacher, Richmond Public Schools

Sean G. Monts is a dedicated Career Switcher and Culinary Arts Instructor who began his teaching career in 2012 at Petersburg Public Schools and currently teaches for Richmond Public Schools. Over the course of 12 years, Monts has made a significant impact in the field of culinary... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Cape Charles A

Educational Session

9:00am EDT

Relevant Standard Based Life Skills Projects students will Never Forget

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Mariner B

I will present "Best Practices" hand on activities teachers can use in their classroom.

Related Career Cluster:

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I, 18 weeks
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II, 18 weeks
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III, 18 weeks
Life Planning, 36 weeks
Individual Development, 36 weeks
Independent Living, 36 weeks

Speakers

Mary Tate

Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Department Chair, Prince William County Public Schools

My name is Mary Tate. I have been teaching middle school Family and Consumer Science for the past 24 years in Prince William County. I am the department chair who had the luxury of opening two brand new middle schools. I love teaching life skills which has given me a sense of identity... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

9:00am EDT

The Big Payback

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

York

The “Big Payback” from the IRS happens for most taxpayers every tax season when they file to receive their refunds. Do your students understand why some taxpayers receive refunds while others must pay?

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers

Christopher L. Anderson, MBA

Senior Stakeholder Relationship Manager, Internal Revenue Service

Christopher Anderson, MBA is an IRS Senior Relationship Manager responsible for program growth for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs in Virginia. Chris earned his MBA from James Madison University (JMU). Go Dukes! His background... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
York

Educational Session

10:15am EDT

Behavioral Economics: What Money Does to Your Mind

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

York

This session is great for FCS teachers or personal finance, financial skills, or consumer education! See behavioral economics in action through a series of NGPF activities included in an entirely FREE curriculum. These activities will show how cognitive biases impact our money decisions.

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Patrick DeRosa

Associate Director, Center for Economic Education, George Mason University

I am the Associate Director of the Center for Economic Education at George Mason University, which is part of the Virginia Council on Economic Education network. My goal is to help teachers enhance their skills in teaching students how to become more economic and financially literate... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
York

Educational Session

10:15am EDT

Cupcakes and Chocolate

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Mariner A

Come learn how to make cupcake decorating and chocolate making fun and easy to do in the classroom.

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Nancy Appleby

Chocolatier, Camerons Coffee and Chocolate

Nancy Appleby is a Chocolatier who currently works for Camerons Coffee and Chocolates. Nancy was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina where she fell in love with Baking and Pastry.

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

10:15am EDT

How Meaningful Gifts Create Lasting Memories

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Mariner B

Participants will learn how to create meaningful heartfelt gifts that connect to lifetime memories and emotional connections.

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Katharine Jackson

FCS Teacher, PWCS Hylton High School

FCS Teacher

Kimberly Wilson

Retired FCS Teacher and Teacher Cadet Curriculum Trainer, Alexandria City Public Schools

FCS Teacher and Teacher Cadet Curriculum Trainer

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

10:15am EDT

Sewing with Electricity

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Cape Henry C

Learn to sew a stuffed critter that lights up. Once students know how to sew with thread that will conduct electricity, they can take a step further and learn to code and program their textiles or wearables to light up, make sounds, or anything the imagination can dream up.

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Angela Stouffer

FACS Teacher, PWCS

Vocabulary on Fire: New ways to level up your vocabulary lessons

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

10:15am EDT

Snack Attack!

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

False Cape B

Provide your students with fruit and healthy ingredients and let them play with their food. The cuteness can not be contained!!! This workshop is perfect for classes that cover child development, but all are welcome.

Related Career Cluster:

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I, 18 weeks
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II, 18 weeks
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III, 18 weeks
Life Planning, 36 weeks
Individual Development, 36 weeks
Independent Living, 36 weeks
Child Development and Parenting, 36 weeks
Family Relations, 36 weeks
Introduction to Early Childhood Education, 36 weeks
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II

Speakers

Elaine Lombardi

FACS Teacher, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

I have just completed my 19th year of teaching, all of it in Alternative Education. Our student population fluctuates every week. Because of this, I have designed projects that can usually be done in one class period.

Monday July 21, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
False Cape B

Educational Session

1:15pm EDT

Bag It Up

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

False Cape B

Reduce waste by using an old t-shirt to make a reusable bag. This simple, no-sew make-and-take project can be done in one class period while addressing sustainability through repurposing. Supplies will be provided.

Related Career Cluster:

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
False Cape B

Educational Session

1:15pm EDT

Beyond Bivalves

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Mariner A

Come have a shuckin' good time with Chef Sean and learn all about Oysters. Attendees will learn the History, how to prepare different styles, and even get a chance to try shucking on their own.

Tom's Cove Aquafarms in Chincoteague Island is sponsoring this session, and donating all oysters and clams for demonstration and consumption.

Related Career Clusters:

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Nutrition and Wellness, 36 weeks
Food Science and Dietetics
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts I
Culinary Arts II

Speakers

Sean Appleby

Chef Instructor, Marshall High School

Chef Sean is a teacher at Marshall Highschool. Sean attended Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, Nc. Opening several restaurants there his faveorite was Sea Level where he worked the raw bar. He found a passion for oysters there and shucked over 600,000.

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

1:15pm EDT

From Surviving To Thriving: Shifting Your Mindset For Success

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Mariner B

Unlock the power of mindset transformation. In this engaging talk, Amy delves into the profound impact of changing your perspective on life's challenges. Discover how altering your mindset can turn obstacles into opportunities, empowering you to navigate life and business with resilience and creativity. Learn practical strategies to harness the full potential of your mind, ensuring it works for you, not against you. Elevate your thinking, elevate your results!

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Amy Fuentes

Transformational Public Speaker/President/CEO, MORE Enterprises, LLC

Amy is an inspiring speaker, author, entrepreneur, and inventor who encourages others to look at life differently. Having overcome numerous hardships, she discovered that a single decision can transform your life. Amy shares her insights in her book, Words of Wisdom: What You Need... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

1:15pm EDT

Introduction to PBL +: Bridging Academic and Personal Success

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

York

This educational session would be beneficial for any educator or administrator attending the Professional Development Institute.

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers

Dr. Jorge Valenzuela

Education Coach, Lifelong Learning Defined

Jorge Valenzuela is a respected performance and education coach, author, and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined. His mission is to empower educators to lead confidently and teach with greater effectiveness. Specializing in instructional innovation and action research, Jorge provides... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
York

Educational Session

1:15pm EDT

Money in Pop Culture (Taylor's Version)

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Cape Henry C

Whether working a job, managing their personal finances, or opening a business, students need to know how money works. This session makes money fun! The session will introduce you to ready-to-use lesson plans based on clips from Star Wars, Taylor Swift, The Office, and more.

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Stephen Day

Director, VCU Center for Economic Education

Stephen helps teachers and parents teach about money, work, and life. He does many professional development sessions, makes lesson plans, writes a blog called "Paper Robots," and is the author of the upcoming book "Teach a Kid to Save." He is a former high school teacher and currently... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

2:30pm EDT

Cooking Up Careers: Youth Registered Apprenticeships for Future Chefs

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Mariner A

Join us for a 60-minute information session designed to help educators and culinary professionals understand and implement Youth Registered Apprenticeship programs for high school culinary arts students. Featuring insights from a Virginia Works representative—Virginia’s overseeing authority for apprenticeships—this session will cover essential program components, regulatory requirements, and strategies for developing strong industry partnerships. Attendees will leave equipped with practical knowledge, resources, and next steps to launch or enhance a successful culinary apprenticeship experience.

Related Career Clusters:

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Nutrition and Wellness, 36 weeks
Food Science and Dietetics
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts I
Culinary Arts II

Speakers

Dr. Jai Girard

Director of Education & Workforce Development; ProStart State Coordinator, Virginia Restaurant Loding and Travel Association

Dr. Jai Girard is the Director of Education and Workforce at the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association. With over 15 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Dr. Girard brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Dr. Girard's professional... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

2:30pm EDT

Empowering Instructional Leaders: Strategies for Providing FCS Teachers Better Feedback

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

York

This session provides school leaders strategies they can use to raise confidence for teachers by being more intentional about when and how to provide feedback by structuring conversations around what they observe in learning walks or formal observations using simple universal guidelines. A feedback tool will also be modeled and provided.

Audience: Principals, Instructional Coaches and District Instructional Leaders

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers

Dr. Jorge Valenzuela

Education Coach, Lifelong Learning Defined

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
York

Educational Session

2:30pm EDT

Integrating Entrepreneurship & Innovation in FCS Courses

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Cape Henry C

This session will present research-based reasons why and how FCS teachers can empower students for the Innovation & Gig Economy by integrating entrepreneurship concepts, skills, and mindsets into their courses. Instructional strategies for specific FCS courses will be shared based on competencies. Free resources to get started included. Explore CTE Verso alongside these ready-made and customizable lesson plans and activities that you'll be inspired to integrate into your curriculum.

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Dr. Cheryl Ayers

Co-Director, Virginia Tech Center for Economic Education

Starting her career as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school teacher and work-based learning coordinator, Dr. Cheryl Ayers has more than 25 years of experience in creating and delivering customized professional development programs, undergraduate/graduate university courses... Read More →

Laura M. Daniel

Teacher, Wetsel Middle School/Madison County Public Schools

With a passion for CTE, especially in curriculum writing, Laura has 17 years of teaching experience. She has taught high school FACS in parenting and life planning for three years, followed by 14 years in her ever-evolving current position in middle school FACS & Business. She is... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

2:30pm EDT

Monsters of the Midway

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

False Cape B

This simple hand-sewing project can be completed in one period and is a good way to use those last few scraps of felt, lace, ribbon, yarn, buttons and fabric. Supplies will be provided.

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Elaine Lombardi

FACS Teacher, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
False Cape B

Educational Session

global Y

2:30pm EDT

Virginia ACTE Fellowship

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Mariner B

The CTE Professional Organizations are an integral part of support for CTE professionals. Networking and learning from one another allows us to learn and grow together! Virginia ACTE launched the Virginia ACTE Leadership Fellowship program to promote professional development, leadership, advocacy, and mentorship for all CTE professionals across the Commonwealth. This session will provide an overview of this new initiative.

This educational session would be beneficial for any educator or administrator attending the Professional Development Institute.

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers

Katharine Jackson

FACS Teacher, PWCS

I am a FACS teacher in PWCS. I am the VA ACTE Rep for VATFACS and a VA ACTE Fellow.

Monday July 21, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

3:45pm EDT

FCCLA Integration is the Best Innovation

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Cape Henry C

FCCLA programs and competitions fit EVERY FCS curriculum...come discover and make use of ready made resources.

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers

Kathleen Buchanan

Membership and Adviser Development Coordinator, Virginia FCCLA

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

3:45pm EDT

Making Middle School FCS Fun and Engaging

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

False Cape B

In this session participants will have the chance to learn some new ideas and collaborate with other teachers.

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers

Megan Hughes

Teacher, FCCLA Adviser, CTE SALT, Loudoun County Public Schools-Stone Hill Middle School

Middle School FCS teacher at Stone Hill Middle School

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
False Cape B

Educational Session

3:45pm EDT

Unlocking Retail Careers with RISE Up: Exploring Opportunities and Credentials

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Mariner A

Join RISE Up Curriculum & Instruction Manager Barbara Collins from the NRF (National Retail Federation) Foundation for a journey to discover the value of a retail career and the multiple exciting career opportunities in the industry. From HR to IT – and from social media to sales – retail has it all! And retail is everywhere, supporting 56 million jobs across the country and 25% of all jobs in Virginia. Come learn about the instructor resources RISE Up provides and how the credentials can help your students prepare for these jobs and build their careers – in retail – and beyond. Attend this session and receive a link for complimentary access to the RISE Up credential of your choice.

Related Career Cluster:

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Introduction to Fashion Careers, 36 weeks
Fashion Careers I
Fashion Careers II

Speakers

Barbara Collins

RISE Up Curriculum & Instruction Manager, NRF Foundation

Ms. Barbara Collins serves as the Curriculum & Instruction Manager for the RISE Up program at the NRF Foundation. Since joining the Foundation in 2019, she has contributed to a variety of initiatives, including the NRF Foundation Honors and campus and university engagement projects. In her current role, she plans, manages and directs development, implementation and upkeep of curricula, assessments, teacher training materials and supplemental education products for the RISE Up program.Prior to her tenure at the NRF Fo... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

3:45pm EDT

Virginia Beef

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Cape Charles A

When talking 'beef' there is more to the animal than just steaks & ground beef. Tanya will explain where your favorite cut comes from and how to cook it.

Related Career Cluster:

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Nutrition and Wellness, 36 weeks
Food Science and Dietetics
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts I
Culinary Arts II

Speakers

Tanya Cauthen

owner/ founder, Belmont Butchery

My grandfather once said, 'when you stop learning you die'. I do believe he meant that metaphorically (in 1986, at 82 he was learning BASIC computer programing)...from UVa Aerospacing engineering; formal Chefs' training in Switzerland to opening Belmont Butchery, a small artisan butcher... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Cape Charles A

Educational Session

3:45pm EDT

What's the FACS? Engaging lessons & teaching strategies for family & consumer sciences courses

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

York

Family & Consumer Sciences is already interactive and engaging. The challenge with students is when unit objectives that are not hands on are taught, and students begin to dis-engage. In this session, participants will learn how to use different lesson plan activities for various family & consumer sciences courses. Materials will include how to implement and use project-based assessments, warm-up activities, technology platforms, group activities, and class assignments which promote student engagement.

Participants will be able to leave with lesson plan resources to be able to use with their students and teachers in their department. Materials are adaptable to be used for various courses under the CTE umbrella.

This educational session would be beneficial for any educator or administrator attending the Professional Development Institute.

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers

Dee Harris

CTE lead teacher, ACPS

20+ years Family & Consumer Sciences Educator. I am currently teaching at Alexandria City Public Schools. I teach Child Development and DE Advanced Early Childhood Education. I am a CTE lead teacher for our CTE department

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
York

Educational Session

3:45pm EDT

Workplace Resilience and Self-Care for Educators

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Mariner B

This workshop will focus on workplace resilience and self-care for those in the education and/or human services fields, where practitioners are at high risk for experiencing secondary trauma. It will provide an overview of the concept of self-care, including discussions about what self-care is and is not. Participants will complete a self-evaluation to examine their current state of burnout, secondary trauma, and compassion satisfaction. Trigger awareness will also be discussed/analyzed. Information learned will guide participant development of a personalized self-care plan, including practices for sustainability and consistent implementation.

Related Career Clusters:

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I, 18 weeks
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II, 18 weeks
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III, 18 weeks
Independent Living, 36 weeks
Individual Development, 36 weeks
Life Planning, 36 weeks
Introduction to Family and Human Services, 36 weeks
Family and Human Services I
Family and Human Services II
Family Relations, 36 weeks
Child Development and Parenting, 36 weeks
Introduction to Early Childhood Education, 36 weeks
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II
Introduction to Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow, 36 weeks
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow I
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow II

Speakers

Josetta Thomae, PhD

Owner/Consultant, Thomae Consulting, LLC

Josetta Thomae, PhD, is a clinical service provider, educator, reflective practice specialist, holistic health coach, and lifelong learner who has been working with youth and families for over fifteen years in a variety of capacities. Having worked in fields including Early Intervention... Read More →

Monday July 21, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

global Y

6:00pm EDT

Board Game Social Night

Monday July 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

Beach Club

This is an after hours social night. The intent is to make new connections at the conference in a fun and interactive way. It can be hard to meet new people at conferences like this- but still so important. Board games are fun, relatively stress free way to meet new people and try out new games.

Speakers

Sarah Ummen

FACS Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools

I teach Family and Consumer Sciences at Poe Middle School in Fairfax County Public Schools. I am going into my 8th year of teaching. I love board games, sewing, cooking, watercolor, ceramics, audiobooks, and kayaking.

Monday July 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Beach Club

Educational Session, Activity

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