VATFACS INSTITUTE

VATFACS INSTITUTE

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9:00am EDT

FCCLA Competitions: Where Leaders Are Made

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

FCCLA competitive events aren't just about trophies — they're a direct expression of the discipline we teach every day. In this session, presented by FCCLA Virginia state staff, participants will explore how the six career pathways connect to and strengthen competitive event preparation across the full range of FCCLA competitions. Whether you're a seasoned advisor or just getting your chapter off the ground, you'll leave with a clearer picture of how to align your program's pathway focus with meaningful competitive experiences for students.

Speakers

Bobbi Comer

FCCLA State Adviser, VA FCCLA

Connie Rhoton

FCCLA State Staff, VA FCCLA

VA FCCLA

State staff, VA FCCLA

Career Pathways provide the background for FCCLA competitions

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

global Y

9:00am EDT

From Apathy to Accountability - Reframing School as the Workplace

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

This workshop was born out of a growing and urgent challenge: students refusing to complete assignments, opting for zeros, disengaging from class activities, and exhibiting an overwhelming sense of apathy.
From Apathy to Accountability introduces a practical and transformative approach that reframes school as a simulation of the workplace. Through this lens, students begin to understand that their current behaviors of missing deadlines, refusing collaboration, and opting out of responsibilities have real-world consequences. This mindset shift helps bridge the gap between classroom expectations and life beyond school’s double doors.

Speakers

Leslie Robinson

Teacher, Standup Comedian & Speaker, Leslie Rob Comedy LLC

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

9:00am EDT

From Farm to Table: A Butcher's Craft Demonstration

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Some skills never go out of style — and knowing where your food comes from is one of them. In this hands-on demonstration, a professional meat cutter will walk participants through the full arc of hog fabrication, from primal cuts to sub-primal to fabricated and portion-controlled cuts. We'll explore the scope of the meat industry, the role and responsibilities of a butcher, and the foundational principle every culinary professional lives by: mise en place. Participants will also see how each cut is allocated for specific culinary applications, with attention to sanitation practices throughout. Whether you teach food science, culinary arts, or nutrition, you'll leave with fresh perspective — and maybe a new appreciation for the craft behind every chop.

Related Courses:
Culinary Arts I (16052-I/8275)
Culinary Arts II (16052-II/8276)

Speakers

Chef Hugh Cossard

Director of Education & Chef Instructor, Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute

Chef Hugh Cossard is a French-trained chef and culinary educator with more than four decades of industry experience. Born in France’s Loire Valley, he began his career in his family’s charcuterie and catering businesses before training at the École Nationale Supérieure des Métiers... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
York

Educational Session

global Y

9:00am EDT

In My PBL Era: Real-World Learning in High School ECE

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Ready to enter your PBL era? This session delivers ready-to-use project overviews designed specifically for high school ECE — think Pizza Box Theorists, Shoebox Preschool, student-created songs, and more. Walk away with a toolkit of creative, standards-connected projects that keep students engaged and actually excited to learn.

Related Courses:
Introduction to Early Childhood Education (19153-36/8234)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I/8285)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II (19153-II/8286)

Speakers

Katharine Jackson

Family & Consumer Science Teacher, C.D. Hylton Senior High School- PWCS

I am a high school VTfT, ECE and Child Development teacher.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Cape Charles A

Educational Session

global Y

9:00am EDT

Stronger by the Dozen

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

In this hands-on presentation, three main areas will be addressed:

Build a stronger mind and body with the help of nutrient rich foods, addressing the latest scientific knowledge about nutrition, and especially egg nutrition and how it affects our bodies.
Develop stronger finances, with the help of eggs and other lower cost protein options, when used as main dish proteins.
Obtain a stronger and less crazy life with the help of easy meal solutions when including eggs and other nutrient dense foods, when prepped ahead, to enjoy later.

The new U.S. Dietary Guidelines will be addressed in the presentation and how ordinary foods, without much processing can be included in a delicious, healthy and convenient diet.
Audience participation will be part of this egg-citing presentation, merging current science and the latest food prep options, which will enhance your lesson plans, egg-cite your students and promote your Family and Consumer Sciences programs.

Related Courses:
Culinary Arts I (16052-I/8275)
Culinary Arts II (16052-II/8276)
Independent Living (22904-36/8219)
Introduction to Culinary Arts (16051-36/8250)
Nutrition and Wellness (19253-36/8229)

Speakers

Mary Rapoport, CFCS

Consumer Affairs/Educational Director, Virginia Egg Council

Mary Rapoport, Consumer Affairs and Educational Director for the Virginia Egg Council, and former Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, has been doing presentations on local media around the Commonwealth of Virginia for decades, where she highlights the benefits of enjoying a healthy... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

global Y

10:15am EDT

Integrating Social Work Perspectives into Family and Consumer Sciences Education

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Where Family Science Meets Human Need: Integrating Social Work Perspectives into FCS Education

Family and Consumer Sciences has always been about the whole person — and so has social work. In this session, participants will explore the powerful intersection between FCS education and social work frameworks, building understanding of key concepts and why they belong in our classrooms. We'll examine the social, emotional, and economic factors shaping the lives of our students and their families, and explore practical strategies for supporting student well-being without stepping outside our lane. Participants will also consider how to build intentional collaborative relationships with families, community partners, and available resources. Because FCS educators have always seen the whole child — this session gives us a sharper vocabulary for what we already do.

Related Courses:
Child Development and Parenting (19255-36/8232)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I/8285)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II (19153-II/8286)
Family and Human Services I (19999-II/8265)
Family and Human Services II (19999-I/8264)
Family Relations (19259-36/8225)
Introduction to Early Childhood Education (19153-36/8234)
Introduction to Family and Human Services (19001-36/8238)

Speakers

Amy Herrmann

School Social Worker, Hanover County Public Schools

"Integrating Social Work Perspectives into Family and Consumer Sciences Education"

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

global Y

10:15am EDT

Save Your Time, Save Your Sanity (AI + Classroom Workflow for Collaboration (With or Without Ipads)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

In this practical, teacher-friendly session, participants will learn how to streamline planning, increase student collaboration, and create a smoother classroom workflow using simple systems supported by AI and optional Apple tools. We’ll explore realistic routines that work in a FACS/CTE classroom and beyond, including how to set up and manage devices (like iPads) when available, how to use AI to accelerate lesson planning and communication, and how to structure collaboration so students stay engaged and accountable. Attendees will leave with plug-and-play strategies, templates, and a workflow they can implement immediately regardless of their current level of tech access.

Speakers

Cassey Jones

FACS Teacher, Potomac Middle School

I’m Cassey Jones, everyone calls me CJ and I’m a Prince William County middle Educator in Family & Consumer Sciences and Career Investigations focused on authentic learning and strong collaboration. I’ve led cross-school partnerships with high school programs to create aligned... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

global Y

10:15am EDT

Teaching with Joy: Empowering Students to Learn, Lead, and Lift Each Other

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

What if your students became the true drivers of their learning by confidently mastering content and teaching others along the way?

In this session, I will share how to transform your classroom into a student-centered environment where learners take ownership and grow into leaders. Through the use of simple, effective strategies like skill drills, “Ask Three Before Me,” and authentic community-building practices, students learn to rely on themselves, support one another, and stay meaningfully connected to their teacher.

These approaches are easy to implement but powerful in impact effectively creating a classroom where it feels like there’s more than one of you in the room. You’ll walk away with practical tools that foster independence, increase engagement, and build a genuine sense of connection without anything feeling forced.

Join me to discover how these three simple shifts can bring more joy to your teaching, help your students feel purposeful in their learning, and empower them to confidently teach and support one another.

Speakers

Lea Behanna

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Manassas Park Middle School

I am a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Manassas Park Middle School, where I have been teaching since 2011. I work with sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students, helping them build practical life skills while fostering creativity, confidence, and a love for learning.
I ear... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Cape Charles A

Educational Session

global Y

10:15am EDT

The Other (Other) White Meat: Exploring Pork from Snout to Table

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

This year, we're making a pivot — and pork is having its moment. In this session, participants will explore the full landscape of pork cuts and cookery, from the familiar to the surprisingly misunderstood. We'll examine the difference between commodity pork and heritage breeds (spoiler: heritage pork is decidedly not "the other white meat"), demystify the anatomy behind why a pork butt has nothing to do with the rear of the pig, and unpack the science of quick-cook versus slow-cook methods — the hows and whys behind every technique. Whether you're a culinary educator or just ready to deepen your food science content, this session delivers something worth savoring.

Related Courses:
Culinary Arts I (16052-I/8275)
Culinary Arts II (16052-II/8276)

Speakers

Tanya Cauthen

owner, butcher, Belmont Butchery

Tanya Cauthen: Richmond’s ButcherTanya Cauthen’s journey from "Navy brat" to one of America’s most generations of butchers is a masterclass in following one’s passion. Growing up, her culinary vocabulary was introduced by Julia Childs —a far cry from the aerospace engineering... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
York

Educational Session

global Y

10:15am EDT

Virginia is for ProStart Lovers

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Get ready to fall in love with competition season. This fast-paced, highly practical session walks educators through everything they need to prepare students for the Virginia ProStart Invitational — from the rules that matter most, to timelines, expectations, and those tiny details that make or break a score sheet. We’ll break down the culinary, management, and individual events with clarity, strategy, and a little humor (because we all know competition day brings its own brand of chaos).

Participants will learn how to coach students toward precision, professionalism, and confidence, while also creating a classroom environment that nurtures independence and critical thinking. We’ll look at common pitfalls, winning team habits, and proven techniques that help students shine under pressure.

Whether you’re a seasoned ProStart educator or new to the program, you’ll leave with a roadmap, practical tools, and fresh ideas to level up preparation at your school. After all — Virginia is for ProStart Lovers, and we’re here to help your students bring the heat.

Related Courses:
Baking and Pastry Specialization (16052-III/8279)
Catering/Banquet Specialization (16052-IV/8272)
Culinary Arts I (16052-I/8275)
Culinary Arts II (16052-II/8276)
Quantity Food Specialization (16052-V/8273)
Restaurant Operation Specialization (16052-VI/8274)

Speakers

Leah Schuler PCEC, CDM, CFPP

Culinary School Specialist, ZWILLING

Chef Schuler is a Culinary School Specialist with ZWILLING. She has spent her life learning about food and nutrition and her passion for the industry led to her multiple certifications. She is a Personal Certified Executive Chef with the American Culinary Federation (one of 12... Read More →

Dr. Jai Girard

Director of Education & Workforce Development | Virginia ProStart Coordinator, Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association

Dr. Jai Girard serves as the Director of Education and Workforce Development at the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association (VRLTA) and as the State Coordinator for Virginia ProStart. In this role, she leads statewide culinary and management education initiatives, supports... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

global Y

1:15pm EDT

Breaking the Cycle Before It Becomes Culture

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

This session invites educators into a deeply reflective journey that blends personal story with professional responsibility.
Drawing from her lived experience with childhood bullying, Kelli Stenhouse shares how early experiences of exclusion, silence, and self-doubt influenced her decision to become a teacher, committed to being the adult she once needed.

Yet, as her career progressed, she encountered a painful realization: the dynamics she experienced as a student reappeared in a different form through workplace bullying, professional trauma, and toxic adult culture within educational environments. Through candid storytelling and thoughtful reflection, Kelli explores the connection between what we endure as children, what we normalize as adults, and what we unknowingly perpetuate in schools. She challenges educators to examine how unresolved experiences shape classroom climates, leadership behaviors, staff relationships, and the systems students learn from every day.

Grounded in the conference theme, Using the Past to Create the Future, this keynote encourages teachers to:

Reflect on how personal history influences teaching, leadership, and response to conflict
Understand the long-term effects of bullying, from hallways to staff rooms
Interrupt harmful patterns by modeling empathy, courage, and accountability
Build school environments where psychological safety and belonging are intentional, visible, and protected

This is not a session rooted in blame, but in awareness, healing, and choice. Educators leave empowered to use their past not as a burden, but as insight, leveraging experience to create healthier cultures and safer spaces for the next generation.

Related Courses:
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow I (19151-I/9062)
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow II (19151-II/9072)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I/8285)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II (19153-II/8286)
Fashion Careers I (19201-I/8280)
Fashion Careers II (19201-II/8281)
Individual Development (19260-36/8210)
Life Planning (19257-36/8227)

Speakers

Kelli Stenhouse

Company Owner, Kelli Stenhouse Coaching & Consulting, LLC.

Kelli Stenhouse is a leadership coach, consultant, author, and creative entrepreneur who helps individuals and organizations elevate confidence, professionalism, and presence. She is the founder of Kelli Stenhouse Coaching & Consulting, where she provides executive and professional... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

1:15pm EDT

Level-Up Language: Equipping K–12 Educators to Support English Learners in a Globalized World

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Join us for an engaging, fast-paced session designed to equip Business and CTE
educators with practical tools to support English Learners in today’s diverse K–12 classrooms. Together, we will explore high-impact scaffolds and instructional supports that make content accessible while strengthening academic language development.
Discover how Virginia’s Standards Satchel can be leveraged to enhance both language and content learning for English Learners. Participants will also explore ready-to-use resources and strategies that help educators seamlessly integrate language-acquisition supports into daily instruction across content areas.
Walk away with simple yet powerful techniques for teaching the language of your content area. You’ll leave feeling confident, energized, and empowered to immediately implement these strategies in your classroom the very next day.

Related Courses
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow I (19151-I/9062)
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow II (19151-II/9072)
Child Development and Parenting (19255-36/8232)
Culinary Arts I (16052-I/8275)
Culinary Arts II (16052-II/8276)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I/8285)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II (19153-II/8286)
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I (19903-18/8208)
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II (19904-18/8263)
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-36/8245)

Speakers

Jo-el Cox

Coordinator of Multilingual Learner Instruction, Virginia Department of Education

Jo-el Cox is the Coordinator for Multilingual Learner Instruction at the Virginia Department of Education. She is responsible for providing highly specialized, technical, and analytical information, services, assistance, and leadership in the area of instruction for Multilingual... Read More →

Nicki Saunders

Title III Coordinator, Virginia Department of Education

Nicki Saunders serves as the Title III Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Education, where she has worked since 2019. Before joining VDOE, she was a middle school science teacher with Chesterfield County Public Schools, where she piloted Sheltered Science classes for Level... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

2:30pm EDT

Planting Seeds to Foster Environmental Stewards for a Better Tomorrow

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Planting Seeds to Foster Environmental Stewards for a Better Tomorrow
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” This quote by Rachel Carson highlights the important role that adults must have to nurture children’s sense of wonder about the natural world. In this session we will explore how early childhood environmental education (ECEE) has the potential to inspire children’s lifelong learning and love of nature and their affinity for taking care of it.

Related Courses
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow I (19151-I/9062)
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow II (19151-II/9072)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I/8285)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II (19153-II/8286)
Child Development and Parenting (19255-36/8232)

Speakers

Tarneshia Evans

Director of Education, Weinstein JCC Preschool

Tarneshia Evans is a certified Nature-Based Teacher and has been working in the field of education for over 25 years. She previously worked for the City of Richmond Parks & Recreation Department as a Program Specialist for Out of School Time, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as a Children’s... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

2:30pm EDT

The Teacher Toolbox: Activities That Bring FACS to Life

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Feedback Survey

This session will provide classroom-tested activities, projects, and instructional strategies that increase student engagement while supporting FACS competencies. Participants will discover ways to connect learning to real-world experiences through hands-on activities, community partnerships, career exploration, and FCCLA integration, leaving with ideas they can implement immediately.

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers

Jarrod Saunders

Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher, Suffolk Public Schools

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session, Credentialing Block

2:45pm EDT

Learning Just Got Sweeter – Print Graphics onto Cookies with Eddie®, the Edible Ink Printer

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

For the past eight years, Kelli Gedart has been a passionate advocate for bringing innovative technology into the classroom. In this engaging session, she introduces Family and Consumer Sciences educators to the creative possibilities of the Eddie® Edible Ink Printer and Freddie® the Robotic Frosting Machine.
Kelli is passionate about helping teachers integrate hands-on technology into their programs by blending creativity, design, and culinary arts to engage students in exciting and meaningful ways. Participants will discover innovative strategies for incorporating emerging technologies that inspire student creativity, enhance learning experiences, and bring real-world applications into the FCS classroom.

Related Courses
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow I (19151-I/9062)
Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow II (19151-II/9072)
Child Development and Parenting (19255-36/8232)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I/8285)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II (19153-II/8286)
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory I (19903-18/8208)
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II (19904-18/8263)
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-36/8245)

Speakers

Kelli Gedart

Inside Sales Representative, Primera Technology, Inc.

For the past eight years, Kelli Gedart has been a passionate advocate for bringing innovative technology into classrooms. At Primera Technology, Inc., she helps educators discover how the Food Production Tech Ed Program can enhance FCS and culinary curricula. This grant-eligible program... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

3:45pm EDT

Affordable Excellence: Expanding Access to High-Quality Culinary Education

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

The culinary industry continues to face a critical workforce shortage, while the cost of traditional culinary education remains out of reach for many aspiring professionals. This session explores how innovative training models can deliver high-quality culinary education that is both accessible and affordable, preparing students for real careers without the burden of excessive debt.
Using the Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute (MCAI) as a case study, this presentation will examine how focused curricula, industry-driven training, and streamlined program design can create powerful pathways into professional kitchens. Attendees will learn how smaller, skills-focused institutions can provide rigorous culinary training, strong industry connections, and meaningful career outcomes while keeping tuition attainable.
Participants will leave with practical insights on building culinary programs that balance craft, career readiness, and affordability, helping expand opportunity for the next generation of chefs, bakers, and hospitality professionals.

Related Courses
Quantity Food Specialization (16052-V/8273)
Restaurant Operation Specialization (16052-VI/8274)
Nutrition and Wellness (19253-36/8229)
Introduction to Culinary Arts (16051-36/8250)
Culinary Arts I (16052-I/8275)
Culinary Arts II (16052-II/8276)

Speakers

Chef Hugh Cossard

Director of Education & Chef Instructor, Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute

Chef Hugh Cossard is a French-trained chef and culinary educator with more than four decades of industry experience. Born in France’s Loire Valley, he began his career in his family’s charcuterie and catering businesses before training at the École Nationale Supérieure des Métiers... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Mariner A

Educational Session

3:45pm EDT

Knife Skills

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Feedback Survey

Participants are guided through a best practice knife skills course where they actively try their hand at various cuts.

Related Career Cluster:

Speakers

Leah Schuler PCEC, CDM, CFPP

Culinary School Specialist, ZWILLING

Chef Schuler is a Culinary School Specialist with ZWILLING. She has spent her life learning about food and nutrition and her passion for the industry led to her multiple certifications. She is a Personal Certified Executive Chef with the American Culinary Federation (one of 12... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Mariner B

Educational Session

4:00pm EDT

In my FCS Era: Baby Steps to Big Learning - Using 35 Years of Infant Simulation to Share the Future of Teaching

Tuesday July 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Step into your FCS Era as we blend decades of infant-simulation wisdom with the innovative tools shaping today’s classrooms. This session offers teacher-tested tips, practical strategies, and real-world insights to help your RealCare Baby or Child Care Experience Program run smoothly, meaningfully, and with maximum impact.
Learn how to streamline logistics, confidently troubleshoot common challenges, and transform simulation data into powerful, future-ready learning experiences. By honoring what has worked for more than 35 years while elevating it with modern FCS practices, educators will discover fresh approaches to deepen students’ understanding of caregiving, responsibility, and essential life skills.
Perfect for both experienced infant simulator users and educators exploring how simulation programs can enhance and modernize their FCS classrooms.

Related Courses
Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I/8285)
Early Childhood, Education, and Services II (19153-II/8286)

Speakers

Laura Brawley

Account Manager, Realityworks, Inc.

Infant Simulators in the Classroom

Tuesday July 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Cape Henry C

Educational Session

VATFACS INSTITUTE

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