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

Cape Henry C

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

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

Educational Session

global Y

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.

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

global Y

9:00am EDT

Relevant Standard Base 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.

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

global Y

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?

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

global Y

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 FACS 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.

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

global Y

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.

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

global Y

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.

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

global Y

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.

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

global Y

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 i perfect for classes that cover child development, but all are welcome

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

global Y

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 craft can be done in one class period while addressing sustainability through repurposing. Supplies will be provided.

Speakers

Elaine Lombardi

FACS Teacher, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

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

Educational Session

global Y

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.

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

global Y

1:15pm EDT

Oysters on the Half-Shell

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.

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

global Y

1:15pm EDT

Shift- Five Essentials to Transform your Classroom

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

York

We are living in a time where everything is moving faster. As the world continues to evolve, our methods to educate and empower the next generation must also evolve- all while not losing our bottom line. This interactive session will walk through five time-tested principles to innovate your methods, transform your classroom and empower a generation.

Speakers

Dr. Dwayne Whitehead

President, The Whitehead Group

Dr. Dwayne is a global thinker, communicator, and educator with a passion for transforming lives through the power of leadership. Dr. Dwayne’s reach spans the arts, education, business and finance, government, and religion. He is the President of The Whitehead Group. TWG is a for-profit... Read More →

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

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.

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

global Y

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.

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

global Y

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.

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

Understanding Childhood Trauma and Its Impact on Learning and Behavior

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

York

Designed for educators, this workshop delves into the definition and sources of childhood trauma, explores its profound effects on brain development and learning, and helps identify behavioral indicators in students. Through collaborative activities, including case study analyses and role-playing, participants will gain practical, trauma-informed strategies to create supportive and inclusive classroom environments. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students affected by trauma.

Speakers

Dr. Dwayne Whitehead

President, The Whitehead Group

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

Educational Session

2:30pm EDT

VA ACTE Fellowship

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

Mariner B

Overview of the VA ACTE Fellowship

Speakers

Katharine Jackson

FCS Teacher, PWCS Hylton High School

FCS Teacher

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

Educational Session

global Y

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.

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

Educational Session

global Y

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.

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

global Y

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.

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

global Y

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 engagment.

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.

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

global Y

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.

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

York

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
York

Educational Session, Activity

global Y

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