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Wednesday, July 22
 

9:15am EDT

Anyone Can Cook! Teaching Culinary Concepts with Ratatouille.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Bring the magic of Ratatouille into your classroom with this engaging session. Using the beloved animated film as a springboard, educators will explore creative ways to teach basic food and kitchen concepts. Learn fun and simple ways to introduce cooking skills, food safety, and kitchen teamwork to students. We'll share easy lesson ideas, hands-on activities, and creative ways to connect the film to real-life cooking. Perfect for teachers looking to make learning about food fun and engaging! This session will help you inspire the next generation of chefs-because like Gusteau says, anyone can cook!

Related Courses:
Introduction to Culinary Arts (16051-36/8250)
Culinary Arts I (16052-I/8275)
Culinary Arts II (16052-II/8276)

Speakers
avatar for Kelly Earley

Kelly Earley

FCS Teacher-Culinary, Johnson City High School
With over 15 years of dedicated service to Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), Kelly Earley is a passionate educator who believes in the power of CTE to transform student lives. After 12 successful years shaping minds at the middle school level, Kelly transitioned to the high school... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
York

9:15am EDT

Level Up Your Leadership: Inside the Virginia ACTE Fellowship
Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Lead Beyond the Classroom: The Virginia ACTE Fellowship Experience
This informational session provides an in-depth look at the Virginia ACTE Fellowship and how it empowers Career and Technical Education educators to expand their leadership, advocacy, and professional impact. Participants will learn about the purpose and structure of the Fellowship, eligibility requirements, expectations, and the application process.
The session will explore how the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education Fellowship develops educators as leaders at the local, state, and national levels through networking, policy engagement, and professional collaboration. Attendees will gain insight into the benefits of participation, including strengthening advocacy skills, building professional relationships, and increasing visibility for CTE programs.
In addition, participants will hear practical strategies for preparing a strong application and balancing Fellowship commitments with classroom responsibilities. Whether you are an emerging leader or a seasoned educator ready to broaden your influence, this session will provide a clear roadmap for leveraging the Virginia ACTE Fellowship to lead beyond the classroom and shape the future of CTE.
Speakers
AB

Allison Burns

Early Childhood Education Teacher, Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center
Allison Burns is an Early Childhood Education instructor in Virginia. She is passionate about preparing future educators through hands-on, real-world learning experiences that connect theory to practice. A strong advocate for Career and Technical Education, Allison actively promotes... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Cape Charles A

9:15am EDT

Strengthening Teachers for Tomorrow Through Collaboration and Reflection
Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
How is Teachers for Tomorrow is working for you and your school division?  What do you see as the rewards of the program as well as the challenges?  What are you doing that may help others, and what might you take away from this session to make your program even better?   Let's turn challenges into opportunities! Come ready to share your thoughts with others.

Presenter: Denny Keffer, Director, Extended and Distance Education, Shenandoah University
Speakers
avatar for Denny Keffer

Denny Keffer

Director, Outreach, Shenandoah University
Dennis Keffer has dedicated over three decades to public education, serving in various roles such as teacher, coach, principal, and central office personnel. Before joining Shenandoah University (SU), he was an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), specializing in school... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Mariner A

9:15am EDT

Where is My Curriculum Framework?
Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
The CTE Resource Center, your source for Virginia’s public school CTE curriculum, will show how to access your curriculum and any associated resources from the Center’s new website and through Canvas/Virtual Virginia, as well as explore resources for workplace readiness.
Speakers
avatar for Averill Byrd

Averill Byrd

CTE Resource Center
The CTE Resource Center is a grant-funded project of the Virginia Department of Education and provides free resources to CTE teachers in Virginia public schools, including curriculum frameworks for all of Virginia's CTE courses.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Mariner B

10:30am EDT

Best Practices - Roundtable Session
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
This educational session would be beneficial for any educator or administrator attending the Professional Development Institute.

Related Career Cluster:

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

10:30am EDT

Bringing History to Life: A Cross-Curricular Exploration of 19th-Century Culture
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Step back in time to experience life as it was in the 1800s. A collaboration between Culinary and English where we provide students with a deeper, more authentic understanding of the historical context surrounding Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave. 
The lesson will immerse students in the daily experiences of people living during Frederick Douglass’s time. Through Culinary, students will explore a variety of 19th-century cooking techniques, including brining, baking, and food preservation. Activities will offer a tangible connection to the era, helping students grasp how food preparation reflected both the hardships and ingenuity of the period.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, students will be able to link literature, history, and culture in meaningful ways. By engaging all the senses—seeing, smelling, tasting, and touching—the intent of the lesson is to bring historical study into a living experience.
This collaboration between English, Family and Consumer Science, and Library/Literacy teachers exemplifies how creative teamwork can enrich learning, deepen comprehension, and spark curiosity. The goal is to give students new skills and knowledge and also leave them with a greater appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of those who lived in the 19th century. 
Speakers
AG

Amy Goodman

FACS Teacher (Culinary Arts), Frank W. Cox High School
FACS Teacher at Frank W. Cox High School in Virginia Beach
LM

Lora Marlar

English Teaher, Frank W. Cox High School
English Teacher - Frank W. Cox High School 
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

10:30am EDT

Bringing Literacy to Life
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Literacy in early childhood classrooms should be active, engaging, and meaningful. In this interactive session, participants will explore practical, hands-on strategies for transforming traditional literacy instruction into dynamic learning experiences that capture young learners’ attention and build foundational skills.


Drawing from 32 years of educational experience and current work establishing the Early Childhood Education program at J.P. King Jr. CTE Academy, Johnetta Lofton shares classroom-tested approaches that prepare future educators to confidently integrate literacy across the curriculum. Participants will discover developmentally appropriate techniques that promote oral language, vocabulary development, comprehension, and a love of reading through play, storytelling, dramatic reenactment, literacy-rich centers, and cross-curricular connections.


Attendees will leave with ready-to-implement ideas, adaptable activities, and strategies that can be used in both secondary Early Childhood Education programs and early learning environments.
Speakers
avatar for Johnetta Lofton

Johnetta Lofton

CTE Early Childhood Education Teacher, Franklin City Public Schools
Johnetta Lofton is an experienced Family and Consumer Sciences educator with 32 years of service in North Carolina public schools. After retiring, she returned to the classroom and is currently in her second year with Franklin City Public Schools in Franklin, Virginia. She serves... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

10:30am EDT

Building Foundational Reading, Math, and Lifelong Learning Skills Through OER Integrated Child Development & Parenting and Early Childhood Education Courses" “(Please note this is the roundtable presentation I will use)”
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
This session demonstrates how Child Development & Parenting (CDP) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses within Family & Consumer Sciences can serve as powerful catalysts for strengthening student literacy, numeracy, and lifelong learning skills. By integrating Open Educational Resources (OER), educators can design rigorous, relevant, and culturally responsive learning experiences that connect academic standards to real‑world child development practices.
Participants will explore OER‑based strategies for improving reading comprehension, data analysis, observation skills, quantitative reasoning, and reflective practice through hands‑on, developmentally aligned coursework. This session provides models, templates, and ready‑to‑use instructional resources designed to increase student engagement, support equity, and reduce curriculum costs.
Speakers
HK

Hawah Kamara Nyenswah

FCS Teacher, Freedom High School/Prince William County Public Schools
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

10:30am EDT

Chunking Competency Tasks
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Looking for meaningful ways to engage students while building technical and employability skills? This session will showcase a collection of high-impact projects designed for four 20-minute class sessions that can be easily integrated into Culinary Arts programs.
Participants will explore project-based learning activities from both Culinary Arts I and Culinary Arts II that reinforce food safety and sanitation, workplace readiness, entrepreneurship, event planning, technology integration, and advanced culinary techniques. Featured projects include Foodborne Illness Investigations, Restaurant and Menu Development, Workplace Portfolios, Tasty-Style Cooking Videos, Event Planning Challenges, and Miniature Wedding Cake Design.
These classroom-tested activities help students develop industry-relevant skills while strengthening critical thinking, creativity, communication, and professionalism. Attendees will leave with practical project ideas, implementation strategies, and ready-to-use resources that can be adapted to a variety of Culinary Arts classrooms.



Speakers
avatar for Kathryn Kiser

Kathryn Kiser

FACS Teacher, Fauquier County Public Schools
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

10:30am EDT

Growing Future Educators Through Educators Rising: Best Practices That Work
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Looking to strengthen or start an Educators Rising chapter? This interactive 20-minute roundtable will share practical ideas, successful strategies, and real classroom experiences for building student leadership, increasing engagement, preparing students for competitions, and promoting the teaching profession. Participants will discuss recruitment, chapter activities, leadership development, conference preparation, community partnerships, and ways to connect Educators Rising with education and training pathways. Come ready to collaborate, share ideas, and leave with resources and inspiration to take back to your program.
Speakers
AB

Allison Burns

Early Childhood Education Teacher, Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center
Allison Burns is an Early Childhood Education instructor in Virginia. She is passionate about preparing future educators through hands-on, real-world learning experiences that connect theory to practice. A strong advocate for Career and Technical Education, Allison actively promotes... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

10:30am EDT

Integrating Social Work Perspectives into Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Family and Consumer Sciences educators are uniquely positioned to support the whole student. This session explores key social work concepts and their relevance to FCS classrooms, helping educators better understand the social, emotional, and economic factors that influence student success. Participants will learn practical strategies to support student well-being, build stronger relationships, and create more responsive learning environments. The session will also highlight collaborative approaches for partnering with families, community organizations, and support services to address student needs and strengthen outcomes. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and resources that can be immediately applied in their classrooms and programs.
Participants will:
  • Understand key social work concepts and their relevance to Family and Consumer Sciences education.
  • Examine social, emotional, and economic factors that impact students and families.
  • Explore practical strategies to support student well-being and engagement.
  • Identify ways to collaborate effectively with families, community partners, and available resources.
This session is ideal for educators seeking to strengthen their ability to support students while fostering meaningful connections between school, family, and community.











Speakers
AH

Amy Herrmann

School Social Worker, Hanover County Public Schools
"Integrating Social Work Perspectives into Family and Consumer Sciences Education"
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

10:30am EDT

Lessons Stressing Out?...Just "Shake It Off"
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Looking for fresh ideas to energize your middle school FCS classes? This session will showcase fun, creative, and classroom-tested activities designed to increase student engagement and make learning memorable. Participants will explore a variety of hands-on strategies that can be easily adapted across Family and Consumer Sciences content areas.
Whether you're a new teacher searching for inspiration or a veteran educator looking to refresh your lessons, these activities will help you "shake off" the stress of lesson planning while creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences for students. Attendees will leave with practical resources, ready-to-use ideas, and renewed excitement for bringing creativity into their classrooms.
Speakers
MH

Megan Hughes

Teacher, Stone Hill Middle School
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

10:30am EDT

Office Hours with the FCS Specialist
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Do you have questions about FCS in Virginia? Stop by for an informal chat with our VDOE Specialist, Heather Jones.
Speakers
avatar for Heather M. Jones

Heather M. Jones

Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences, 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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

10:30am EDT

What's is New in Credentialing?
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Join us to explore two new baking credentials from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS): Baking Fundamentals for students and Baking Science Professional for teachers. Discover professional certification opportunities and learn how digital badges can showcase your FCS expertise.
Speakers
HF

Helen Fuqua

Associate Director, CORE Competency, AAFC
Helen Fuqua works with pre-professional and professional credentialing, education and research at AAFCS.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Cape Colony

3:00pm EDT

Virginia FCCLA Boot Camp Part I - Pre-registration Required
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - Thursday July 23, 2026 4:30pm EDT
Virginia FCCLA Adviser Boot Camp I is designed for any FCS teacher with limited experience with incorporating FCCLA programs and activities into their courses. Participants will gain the know-how and master the tools needed to establish and operate a top-notch chapter. This training will be essential to new teachers and to those who are less experienced in FCCLA, regardless of the number of years teaching.
The first Boot Camp I will be held as a post-conference option of the VATFACS Professional Development Institute at the Virginia Beach Wyndham Oceanfront.  You may attend Boot Camp only. The event will begin at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, July 22 and conclude by 4:00 pm on the 23rd.  
Boot Camp will include an off-site evening meal Wednesday, as well as breakfast and lunch on Thursday.  Participants will leave with various resources, program ideas, lesson plans,  membership recruitment materials, classroom supplies and FCCLA logo items,  FCCLA Store items will be available.  Registration cost is $200 per participant, due 2 weeks prior to the camp. 
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 - 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 23, 2026 - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:00pm - Thursday July 23, 2026 4:30pm EDT
Mariner A
 
VATFACS INSTITUTE
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