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Tuesday, July 22
 

7:00am EDT

Registration
Tuesday July 22, 2025 7:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Tuesday July 22, 2025 7:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Atlantic Foyer & Catwalk

7:45am EDT

Breakfast and Virginia Department of Education Update
Tuesday July 22, 2025 7:45am - 8:45am EDT
Please arrive on time because a plated breakfast will be served from 7:45 a.m. to 8 a.m.  Breakfast service will end at 8 a.m. 

Virginia Department of Education Updates will begin at 8 a.m. All Institute attendees should attend this session for regulatory updates pertaining to the 2025-2026 school year.

Related Career Cluster:


Speakers
CC

Catrina Cheek

2025 President, VATFACS
Collabration among seasoned and nolvitity FCS educators. 
avatar for Heather M. Jones, M.Ed., CFCS

Heather M. Jones, M.Ed., CFCS

Family and Consumer Sciences and Related Clusters Specialist, Virginia Department of Education
Heather joined the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education in February 2022. She earned a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership from George Mason University, a Master’s of Education in Youth and Family Education from Penn State University... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 7:45am - 8:45am EDT
Rappahannock & James Ballroom

8:30am EDT

American Heart Association HeartSaver First Aid with CPR/AED for Adults and Children
Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Pre-registration for this session is required. This session is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education. There is no additional fee for up to 25 participants.

American Heart Association HeartSaver First Aid with CPR/AED for Adults and Children will meet OSHA, Virginia Department of Education, and Virginia Department of Social Services requirements for CPR/AED and First Aid Certification for a two-year period.

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers
FC

Francisco Cano

Safety First CPR and First Aid Training
Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Cape Henry C

9:00am EDT

12th Edition Experiencing Education Teacher Cadet Curriculum Update
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
Pre-registration and an additional fee are required for this exam.

This session is designed for teachers trained in the 11th Edition Experiencing Education Teacher Cadet Curriculum who are currently teaching the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow course and attending the VATFACS Professional Development Institute.

Related Career Cluster:


Speakers
avatar for Diane Breinig

Diane Breinig

FCS Teacher at Briar Woods High School, Loudoun County Public Schools
Loudoun County FCS Teacher and Teacher Cadet Curriculum Trainer.
KW

Kimberly Wilson

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

Emily O'Connor

Executive Director, VATFACS
Certified Teacher Cadet Curriculum Trainer
DA

Dr. Amber Tiernan

Teacher, Prince William County Public Schools
FCS Teacher
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
York

9:00am EDT

AAFCS Pre-PAC Broad Field FCS Credentialing Exam
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
Pre-registration and an additional fee are required for this exam.

AAFCS Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) credentials are comprehensive assessments of the knowledge and skills in the Family and Consumer Sciences content areas and are central to career areas involving human service; consumer services, protection; and advising; education and training; and social and community services.

The Broad Field FCS credential is a Virginia Board of Education-approved industry recognized credential for teachers with an FCS endorsement who need to meet the industry credentialing licensure requirement. 

Related Career Clusters:




Speakers
HF

Helen Fuqua

Associate Director, CORE Competency, AAFCS
Helen Fuqua works with pre-professional and professional credentialing, education and research at AAFCS.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
False Cape B

9:00am EDT

ServSafe Food Protection Manager - Renewal Testing Only
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
Pre-registration and an additional fee are required for this exam.

Conference attendees who need to renew their ServSafe Food Protection Manager credential will have the opportunity to take the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam during the Tuesday morning credentialing block. The test will be provided in a paper, in-person format. Prepayment and preregistration with VATFACS is required.



Related Career Cluster:

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jai Girard

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 →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
Mariner A

9:00am EDT

W!se Certification in Personal Finance - Instructor Exam
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
Preregistration and additional fee are required for this exam.

Virginia teachers may take the W!SE test. This is one of the Virginia Board of Education-approved credentials for family and consumer sciences teachers in Virginia. Note:  Testing session is limited to 10 participants.

Related Career Clusters:

Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:30am EDT
Mariner B

11:45am EDT

Luncheon and Keynote, “I GET to Do This!” - Sustaining Passion without Burning Out
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:45am - 1:15pm EDT
“I GET to Do This!” - Sustaining Passion without Burning Out 


This empowering keynote is designed to add value to educators seeking to maintain their enthusiasm in the classroom while effectively managing stress. This session delves into practical strategies for fostering resilience, emphasizing the importance of self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and building supportive professional communities. By integrating these approaches, educators can continue to inspire and engage their students without compromising their own well-being. Join us to discover how to keep your teaching passion alive and thriving in today's demanding educational landscape.



Related Career Cluster:
 
Speakers
CC

Catrina Cheek

2025 President, VATFACS
Collabration among seasoned and nolvitity FCS educators. 
avatar for Dr. Dwayne Whitehead

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 →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:45am - 1:15pm EDT
Rappahannock & James Ballroom

1:30pm EDT

Money Smarts: Building Financial Decision-making in Middle Schoolers
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Help your students start thinking about financial decisions before they get their first job!  Join experienced FCS teacher, Lynnette, and get hands-on with Take Charge Today content and activities that let students identify values, needs, and wants before exploring financial decision-making and goal setting. You'll leave with engaging, age-appropriate activities that will get students thinking about money in their lives.

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
Career, Community, and Family Connections
Economics and Personal Finance
Speakers
avatar for Lynnette Thompson-Coles

Lynnette Thompson-Coles

Teacher Trainer, Take Charge Today
Lynnette Coles is a Training Team member of Take Charge Today, housed at the University of Arizona. She is a 19-year veteran educator, currently working in Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland. She taught Financial Literacy for Teens in the classroom for 16 years, and... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Cape Henry C

1:30pm EDT

Polished Presence: Mastering Personal Branding for Teachers
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Ready to shine and stand out in your professional journey? Polished Presence is the ultimate workshop designed to help educators craft a personal brand that’s as impactful as their teaching. In this empowering workshop, educators will learn the importance of personal branding in creating a lasting impact on students, parents, and people of influence. By cultivating a polished presence, teachers can foster respect, trust, and credibility in both the classroom and beyond. Participants will explore how to develop a cohesive image that reflects their professional values and aligns with their career goals. Through practical exercises on grooming, attire, and body language, educators will refine their authentic personal brand, enhancing their ability to connect with students, engage with parents, and influence the broader educational community. This session will equip teachers with the tools to present themselves confidently in any setting, from parent-teacher conferences to professional networking events. It's time to elevate your presence and showcase the best version of yourself!

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

Related Career Clusters:

Speakers
KS

Kelli Stenhouse

Human Resources Administrator, Prince William County Schools
Kelli Stenhouse is a dynamic professional dedicated to helping others realize their full potential. With extensive experience as an educator, human resources administrator, and image consultant, she offers a unique blend of expertise that has empowered countless individuals in their... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mariner B

1:30pm EDT

RealCare Baby 4.0 Launch Details - Hear All About This New RealCare Baby
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
We're expecting and excited to announce the birth of a new RealCare Baby!    Due to arrive July, 2025, RealCare Baby 4.0 has many exciting new features and benefits for students and teachers!  You'll be the first to see and hear all about the brand new giggles and babbles from RealCare Baby 4.0.  This updated infant simulator will provide even more realism, interaction and decision-making opportunities for students.   We’ve added new care events, responses, and mishandle events.  Two updated curricula, one for high school and one for middle school, will accompany this new version of Baby.  One of the most exciting things is the brand new student app that can provide real time feedback to students, status updates and journaling activities.  Don’t miss out!

Related Career Clusters:
 

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Introduction to Family and Human Services, 36 weeks
Family and Human Services I
Family and Human Services II
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
Introduction to Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow, 36 weeks
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow I
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow II 
Speakers
avatar for Laura Brawley

Laura Brawley

Account Manager, Realityworks, Inc.
My name is Laura and I have been part of the Realityworks team since 2022. I believe our products can ignite a spark in students and prepare them for their futures!  As an Account Manager, my goal is to connect with Virginia and North Carolina educators and administrators to match... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
False Cape B

1:30pm EDT

Shift - Five Essentials to Transform your Classroom
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
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.

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

Related Career Cluster:


Speakers
avatar for Dr. Dwayne Whitehead

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 →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
York

1:30pm EDT

The Future of Education in the Culinary Arts Industry
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
The future of education in the culinary arts industry

Course objectives:
Assessing the students or/and apprentices' needs for their education.
The role of the educator to better support students or/and apprentices.
Define, demonstrate and evaluate their education progress in the Culinary industry.
Thrive to a better future.


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
HJ

Hugh J. Cossard

Director of Education & Chef Instructor, Metropolitan Culinary Arts in Arlington.
Director of Education & Chef Instructor at Metropolitan Culinary Arts in Arlington.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mariner A

1:30pm EDT

We Learn by Doing: Sparking Learning Through Kids Feeding Kids
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Join me for an engaging session on my experience from the Kids Feeding Kids Workshop in Kansas City. I'll share my hands-on experience from the workshop and detail my plans to integrate the program at my school. Together, we’ll explore innovative strategies to promote sustainable food practices and enhance culinary education. Plus, you'll have the chance to sample a selection of dishes that highlight the program's focus on food accessibility and community engagement. This session is designed to inspire and equip you with practical ideas for enriching your curriculum while making a positive impact in your community.

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
avatar for Lincoln Marquis

Lincoln Marquis

Culinary Instructor, Bridging Communities Regional Career and Technical Center
Lincoln Marquis, a distinguished chef and culinary educator, brings over 18 years of industry experience and 16 years in education. Trained in classic culinary arts, he began his career in hotel kitchens before transitioning to teaching in 2008. As a Culinary Arts Instructor at Bridging... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Cape Charles A

2:45pm EDT

Embracing Risk-Taking in the Classroom
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
This session will provide tools that educators can use to foster a more interactive learning environment. By using risk-taking and the iterative design process, students will gain more critical thinking skills, active listening skills, and active learning skills. This information will be helpful for FCS teachers who are facing challenges with student engagement and student success.

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

Related Career Cluster:
 
Speakers
DF

Dr. Farrell Doss

Professor, Radford University
Seasoned FCS educator with 30+ years professional experience. 
avatar for Dr. Tammy Robinson

Dr. Tammy Robinson

Associate Professor, Radford University
Seasoned FCS educator with 20+ years professional experience. 
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
False Cape B

2:45pm EDT

Getting Paid: Understanding Paychecks, Benefits, and Beyond
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Prepare your students for the workforce by helping them understand how they get paid! This session will explore Take Charge Today’s Getting Paid lesson which includes key concepts such as reading a paycheck, completing a W-4, employee benefits, and how government programs such as Workers Comp support employees. Participants will also play Money World Squares, a fun activity to reinforce learning. Walk away with ready-to-use activities that make earning and managing money clear and relevant for CTE students.

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
Life Planning, 36 weeks
Individual Development, 36 weeks
Independent Living, 36 weeks
Career, Community, and Family Connections
Economics and Personal Finance
Speakers
avatar for Lynnette Thompson-Coles

Lynnette Thompson-Coles

Teacher Trainer, Take Charge Today
Lynnette Coles is a Training Team member of Take Charge Today, housed at the University of Arizona. She is a 19-year veteran educator, currently working in Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland. She taught Financial Literacy for Teens in the classroom for 16 years, and... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Cape Henry C

2:45pm EDT

Meant to be Broken
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
That's right - some rules are meant to be broken - and in this egg-citing session, you'll learn how to do that, without stepping on toes, hurting feelings, and without damaging your image and leaving egg on your face!

The American Egg Board's promotion focus this year is just that - how eggs, are meant to be broken, and in different ways then they've been used in the past - leading to interesting switcheroos in the kitchen, that'll get your students into not playing it safe - taking a chance - and ending up bringing out their creative selves in the kitchen and elsewhere.
As always, the Virginia Egg Council's Consumer Affairs/Educational Director, Mary Rapoport, will get this message across by using old-school demonstration techniques, leading to an intriguing, enlightening, and fun-filled session, this is one you won't want to miss.


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

Nutrition and Wellness, 36 weeks
Food Science and Dietetics
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts I
Culinary Arts II
Life Planning, 36 weeks
Individual Development, 36 weeks
Independent Living, 36 weeks

Speakers
avatar for Mary Rapoport, CFCS

Mary Rapoport, CFCS

Consumer Affairs/ Educational Director, VA Egg Council
Mary, a former Home Economics teachers, has been the Consumer Affairs/Educational Director for the VA Egg Council for dozens of years.  Her job entails operating the egg council's test kitchen, where she develops recipes and booklets. She also presents at state and national meetings... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Cape Charles A

2:45pm EDT

ProStart Curriculum Update
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
In this session, culinary educators and program administrators will gain insight into the latest updates to the ProStart curriculum. Participants will learn about new content areas, teaching methodologies, and resources designed to help high school culinary students succeed in both the classroom and the industry. By the end of the session, attendees will have the tools and confidence to seamlessly incorporate these updates into their own instructional plans.

Related Career Clusters:

Related courses include but are not limited to:
Introduction to Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts I
Culinary Arts II
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jai Girard

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 →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Mariner A

2:45pm EDT

Understanding Childhood Trauma and Its Impact on Learning and Behavior
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
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.

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

Related Career Clusters:


Speakers
avatar for Dr. Dwayne Whitehead

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 →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
York

4:00pm EDT

Be Bold and Trailblazing with FCCLA UPDATE
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Stay current on programs and events while making plans for the 2025-26 school year with FCCLA involvement.

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
CR

Connie Rhoton

State Co-Adviser, Virginia FCCLA
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Cape Henry C

4:00pm EDT

Culinary Arts Mentorship: Equipping Your Students for College
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
This session is designed for culinary arts teachers and administrators in the VATFACS arena. We will explore how you can serve as vital bridges for students aspiring to pursue career opportunities in the Culinary Arts, Baking Pastry Arts, Culinary Nutrition, Applied Food Science, or Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship at the collegiate level. As high school teachers, you have the unique opportunity to mentor your students, guiding them in navigating their educational paths, setting goals, and exploring career opportunities in the culinary arts field. Join us to explore effective strategies for mentorship and discover how Johnson & Wales University can support your students in their transition to college and successful careers in the culinary arts.

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
TD

Thomas DeRosa

Johnson & Wales University
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Cape Charles A

4:00pm EDT

Exploring the Modernized Career Clusters and Their Role in FCS Programs
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Explore the modernized Career Clusters to enhance your role in delivering high quality career preparation instruction and work-based learning opportunities. We will examine the new components of the cluster framework: Cross-Cutting Clusters, Sub-Clusters, Clusters, Cluster Groupings, and Career Ready Practices and discuss how they are incorporated in the FCS curriculum.

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

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers
HF

Helen Fuqua

Associate Director, CORE Competency, AAFCS
Helen Fuqua works with pre-professional and professional credentialing, education and research at AAFCS.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
York

4:00pm EDT

Revolutionary Leadership: Becoming the Educator Who Inspires Change
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Revolutionary educators don’t wait for permission—they take bold action to inspire transformation. This workshop will empower you to step into leadership, advocate for innovation, and break through resistance with confidence. Through hands-on activities, self-reflection, and real-world strategies, you’ll leave ready to trailblaze a new path in your classroom, school, or district. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned educator looking to reignite your passion, this session will equip you to be bold, be different, and be the change!

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

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Cynthia R. Tyler

Dr. Cynthia R. Tyler

Partner Educator, Dr. Cynthia R. Tyler Enterprises
Dr. Cynthia is a seasoned Human Resources Professional and College Professor, with a passion for empowering individuals on their lifelong learning journey. With over 25 years of corporate and education experience, she guides others to navigate their personal and professional paths... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
False Cape B
 
VATFACS INSTITUTE
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