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Venue: Mariner A clear filter
Sunday, July 19
 

6:15pm EDT

Spice Up Your Classroom
Sunday July 19, 2026 6:15pm - 7:15pm EDT
This session focuses on engaging, hands-on strategies for teaching students about herbs and spices through sensory exploration and practical application. Participants will learn how to incorporate discussion, recipes, and classroom activities to build student understanding while connecting lessons to real-world experiences such as growing fresh herbs. The session emphasizes creativity, inquiry, and active learning to help make food science and nutrition concepts meaningfuland accessible for students.

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


Speakers
avatar for Brittany Jones

Brittany Jones

teacher, FCPS- Fairfax High School
FCS teacher at Fairfax High School in Fairfax,VA 
Sunday July 19, 2026 6:15pm - 7:15pm EDT
Mariner A

7:20pm EDT

Spice Up Your Classroom
Sunday July 19, 2026 7:20pm - 8:20pm EDT
This session focuses on engaging, hands-on strategies for teaching students about herbs and spices through sensory exploration and practical application. Participants will learn how to incorporate discussion, recipes, and classroom activities to build student understanding while connecting lessons to real-world experiences such as growing fresh herbs. The session emphasizes creativity, inquiry, and active learning to help make food science and nutrition concepts meaningful and accessible for students.

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


Speakers
avatar for Brittany Jones

Brittany Jones

teacher, FCPS- Fairfax High School
FCS teacher at Fairfax High School in Fairfax,VA 
Sunday July 19, 2026 7:20pm - 8:20pm EDT
Mariner A
 
Monday, July 20
 

9:00am EDT

Rubric-Based Assessment: Exploring Teacher Perceptions of Evaluation Practices in Applied Learning
Monday July 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Rubric-based assessment is common across applied and skill-based classrooms, yet teachers often interpret and implement rubrics differently in practice. This session explores how teacher perceptions shape the use of rubric-based evaluation and how those decisions influence clarity, consistency, and student learning. Drawing on current research in assessment and applied education, participants will examine how structured criteria and professional judgment intersect in real classrooms. Practical strategies will be shared to help teachers refine rubric design, improve alignment with instructional goals, and strengthen assessment practices across Family & Consumer Sciences and career-focused programs.

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)
Nutrition and Wellness (19253-36/8229)
Introduction to Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation (16001-36/8259)
Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation II (16999-II/8203)





Speakers
avatar for Thomas DeRosa

Thomas DeRosa

Associate Professor, Johnson& Wales University-Charlotte
Thomas DeRosa is an Associate Professor of Culinary Arts in the College of Food Innovation & Technology (CFIT) at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina. A graduate of culinary and hospitality institutions—including The Culinary Institute of America (New York), The New England... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Mariner A

10:15am EDT

Personal Finance Game Show and Free Resources from Federal Reserve Education
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
This hands-on session features game-show-style trivia (Financial Feud!) you can bring straight into your classroom, plus a wide array of free Federal Reserve Education resources that take you beyond the textbook for personal finance and college & career readiness content. Join us for fun, prizes, and free resources!
Speakers
avatar for Jackie Morgan

Jackie Morgan

Outreach Senior Advisor, Federal Reserve Education | Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta - Nashville Branch
Jackie Morgan, Outreach Senior Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta – Nashville Branch, is an established communicator and proven leader in economic and financial education strategy, policy, development, and training.   A sought-after professional for her expertise, Morgan... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Mariner A

1:15pm EDT

Getting Started with ChatGPT in the Classroom
Monday July 20, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
This introductory session helps educators confidently begin using ChatGPT as a classroom tool. Participants will learn what ChatGPT is, how it works, and practical ways it can save time and enhance instruction. The focus is on beginner-friendly applications: generating lesson ideas, creating assessments, differentiating instruction, drafting parent communication, and brainstorming classroom activities.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Martin

Melissa Martin

FCS Teacher, Giles High School
Using Chatgpt for beginners 
Monday July 20, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Mariner A

2:30pm EDT

Powered by Purpose: Elevating Future Educators with Educators Rising
Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
This professional development session equips Educators Rising advisors with the tools and inspiration to build strong, purpose-driven chapters. Participants will get a full overview of competitive events—categories, preparation strategies, scoring, and tips for moving students from classroom to competition.
The session also covers the Virginia Educators Rising conference (timelines, registration, student prep) and advancing to nationals, with guidance on planning, funding, and supporting students through the process.
Beyond competitions, attendees will explore community service initiatives that strengthen chapters and reinforce the mission of developing future educators—projects aligned with school needs that promote literacy, mentorship, and leadership.
Advisors will leave with actionable strategies, ready-to-use ideas, and a clear roadmap for building a chapter powered by purpose.
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 →
KM

Kimberly M Wilson

President-Elect, VATFACS
Refer to Emily O'Connor
Monday July 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Mariner A

3:45pm EDT

Turning Your Teaching Story into Your Leadership Legacy
Monday July 20, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Teaching is more than a profession—it's a lived narrative shaped by pivotal moments, hard lessons, quiet victories, and opportunities that nearly unfolded. This reflective session invites educators to examine their teaching chronicles and recognize how those experiences have shaped their leadership voice, confidence, and decision-making.
Through guided reflection, participants will identify defining moments from their careers and learn to transform them into intentional leadership practices. Rather than leaving the past behind, educators will claim their story as a source of strength and clarity—and use it as a catalyst for growth, vision, and meaningful leadership.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Cynthia R. Tyler

Dr. Cynthia R. Tyler

Partner Educator, Dr. Cynthia R. Tyler Enterprises
Dr. Cynthia is a seasoned College Professor, Licensed Secondary Teacher, a Human Resources Professional and Co-Author, with a passion for empowering individuals on their lifelong learning journey. With over 25 years of corporate and educational experience, she guides others to navigate... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Mariner A
 
Tuesday, July 21
 

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:
  1. 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. 
  2. Develop stronger finances, with the help of eggs and other lower cost protein options, when used as main dish proteins.
  3. 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
avatar for Mary Rapoport, CFCS

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

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
avatar for Leah Schuler PCEC, CDM, CFPP

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 →
avatar for Dr. Jai Girard

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

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
avatar for Jo-el Cox

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 →
avatar for Nicki Saunders

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

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
avatar for Tarneshia Evans

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

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
CH

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
 
Wednesday, July 22
 

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

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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