VATFACS INSTITUTE

VATFACS INSTITUTE

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7:00am EDT

Registration

Tuesday July 22, 2025 7:00am - 4:30pm EDT

Atlantic Foyer & Catwalk

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

Rappahannock & James Ballroom

Please arrive on time because a plated breakfast will be served from 7:45 a.m. to 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.

Speakers

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 →

Catrina Cheek

FCS Educator and 2024-2025 VATFACS, Inc. President, Colonial Heights Public Schools

Tuesday July 22, 2025 7:45am - 8:45am EDT
Rappahannock & James Ballroom

Breakfast Session

9:00am EDT

Plant Forward: Improving Health One Meal at a Time

Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

To educatate FAC 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 FACS class for multiple laboratory sessions.

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 →

Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Cape Charles A

Educational Session

global Y

9:00am EDT

12th Edition Experiencing Education Teacher Cadet Curriculum Update

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

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.

Speakers

Diane Breinig

FCS Teacher at Briar Woods High School, Loudoun County Public Schools

Loudoun County FCS Teacher and Teacher Cadet Curriculum Trainer.

Dr. Amber Tiernan

Teacher, Prince William County Public Schools

FCS Teacher

Kimberly Wilson

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

FCS Teacher and Teacher Cadet Curriculum Trainer

Emily O'Connor

Executive Director, VATFACS

Certified Teacher Cadet Curriculum Trainer

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

Credentialing Session, Credentialing Block

9:00am EDT

AAFCS Pre-PAC Broad Field FCS Credentialing Exam

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

Speakers

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

Credentialing Session, Credentialing Block

9:00am EDT

ServSafe Food Protection Manager - Testing Only

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

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

Credentialing Session, Credentialing Block

11:45am EDT

Luncheon and Keynote, Empowering FCS Educators: Tools for Helping Students Connect Passion to Purpose

Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:45am - 1:15pm EDT

Rappahannock & James Ballroom

Empowering FCS Educators: Tools for Helping Students Connect Passion to Purpose
This keynote gives FCS educators practical tools to reignite student enthusiasm while meeting curriculum competencies and standards. Participants will learn to integrate students' strengths, interests, and values into their education, fostering success and fulfillment. It emphasizes the importance of instilling purpose in the curriculum and helping students develop essential life skills. It also covers building rapport with students in challenging situations and introduces a simple project-based learning framework for defining student learning experiences.
Note: This Keynote reinforces the principles of Building Relationships With Students on Positive Words and High Expectations and Project-Based Learning Plus.
Participant Outcomes include:

Learn to create meaningful learning partnerships by building strong connections.
Discover skills to guide students in connecting their passions and interests to purpose.
Explore how PBL empowers students to align their passions with FACS learning.

Facilitators

Catrina Cheek

FCS Educator and 2024-2025 VATFACS, Inc. President, Colonial Heights Public Schools

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 →

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

Luncheon and Keynote

1:30pm EDT

Introduction to PBL +: Bridging Academic and Personal Success

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

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 →

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

Educational Session

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 FACS 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.

Speakers

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

Educational Session

global Y

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!

Speakers

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

Educational Session

global Y

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!

Speakers

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

Educational Session

global Y

1:30pm EDT

The future of education in the culinary arts industry

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

Lecture: 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.
Conclusion,

Speakers

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

Educational Session

global Y

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.

Speakers

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

Educational Session

global Y

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 FACS teachers who are facing challenges with student engagement and student success.

Speakers

Dr. Farrell Doss

Professor, Radford University

Seasoned FCS educator with 30+ years professional experience.

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

Educational Session

global Y

2:45pm EDT

Empowering Instructional Leaders: Strategies for Providing FCS Teachers Better Feedback

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

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

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 →

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

Educational Session

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.

Speakers

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

Educational Session

global Y

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.

Speakers

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

Educational Session

global Y

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.

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 →

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

Educational Session

global Y

2:45pm EDT

The Rewards and Challenges of Teachers for Tomorrow

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

Speakers

Diane Breinig

FCS Teacher at Briar Woods High School, Loudoun County Public Schools

Loudoun County FCS Teacher and Teacher Cadet Curriculum Trainer.

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

Educational Session

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.

Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

global Y

4:00pm EDT

Edible Photo Booth: Bringing Personalization & Innovation to Culinary Education Fundraising

Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Edible printing is transforming the culinary and baking industries, offering new ways to personalize confections while introducing students to cutting-edge food technology. This session will explore advanced techniques using the Eddie Edible Ink Printer by Primera, focusing on 3D relief patterns, Photo Booth-style edible printing, and creative fundraising applications for schools.

Speakers

Frances Burnett

Professor, CMB, CEPC, CHE, JWU

Hello, I’m Dr. Frances Burnett, a dedicated educator with a passion for blending culinary arts and technology to enhance learning experiences. Holding advanced degrees in Curriculum and Instructional Administration and a rich background in food service education, I’ve spent years... Read More →

Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Cape Charles A

Educational Session

global Y

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.

Speakers

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

Educational Session

global Y

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!

Speakers

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

Educational Session

global Y

4:00pm EDT

Vocabulary on Fire

Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

5 Ways to Level Up Your Vocabulary Lessons

Visual Vocab
Hexigonal Vocabulary Thinking Practices
Vocabulary Sorting and Explanations
Vocabulary Foldables
Group Games

Speakers

Angela Stouffer

FACS Teacher, PWCS

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

Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

global Y

VATFACS INSTITUTE

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