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Fall Quarterly Newsletter | | |
Dear FCS Colleagues and Friends, | |
Happy Fall!
As the school year picks up momentum, I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for being a teacher, a leader, and a champion for your students — and for making an impact on so many lives, from the classroom to the broader community. The work you do every day truly matters, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Fall is the perfect time to pause, recharge, and celebrate the progress happening in your programs. Take a moment for yourself — a warm cup of coffee, a brisk walk outside, or just a few minutes to reflect on the wins, big and small. These moments of self-care aren’t a luxury — they’re essential fuel for creativity, focus, and inspiration.
As the leaves change and the season shifts, let yourself embrace the energy of fall. Celebrate the difference you’re making, enjoy the small joys in your day, and take pride in the work you do to shape students’ lives.
Thank you for everything you do. Your dedication, passion, and hard work are making a lasting impact — and it truly matters.
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Sincerely,
Karin Davis
VP, Family and Consumer Sciences Division
Tulsa Tech | Oklahoma
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Hospitali-Tea: Etiquette, Entrepreneurship, and Earl Grey
This year at VISION, the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Division is introducing something truly special: an event that blends elegance, connection, and celebration. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 4:00–6:00 p.m., members will gather at Luxe Studios (2420 Music Valley Drive) for Hospitali-Tea, a tea party with a modern twist.
Hospitali-Tea is more than an afternoon of sipping tea — it’s an experience. Guests will be welcomed with beautifully set tablescapes, elegant china, and the rich aroma of three premium blends from the Tea Rose Signature Collection. A lavish three-tiered service of savory bites, Southern-flare scones, and sweets will be served, creating the perfect backdrop for conversation and connection.
Guided by our Royal Tea Hostess and HospitaliTEA Ambassador, the afternoon also includes an etiquette lesson paired with an engaging activity — because this event is about learning, laughter, and inspiration. And, as an added highlight, the FCS Division Awards will be announced during the program, recognizing excellence within our profession.
Whether you choose to dress up for the occasion or arrive as you are, you’ll feel right at home. To make travel easy, a shuttle will run every 15–20 minutes from the Gaylord Resort to the Grand Ole Inn drop-off point, just a short walk from Luxe Studios.
Tickets are $50 per guest, and registration closes Nov. 15. Seating is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.
How to Register
Use Promo Code: TEAPARTY when registering.
If the promo code isn’t entered, the event will not appear as a registration option.
Quick Links:
Hospitali-Tea is more than a tea party—it’s a celebration of refinement, recognition, and the strength of our FCS family. Don’t miss this chance to sip, mingle, and make memories together in Nashville.
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What to Expect at the VISION
Get ready — ACTE’s CareerTech VISION Conference is headed in Nashville, Tennessee from Dec. 9–12! This is the biggest event of the year for career and technical educators, and it’s all about learning new ideas, connecting with others, and finding inspiration to take back to your classrooms and programs.
At VISION, you’ll find a little bit of everything: hundreds of breakout sessions, a huge Expo Hall full of resources, and plenty of chances to meet other educators who share your passion. The conference brings together teachers and leaders from across the country to talk about what’s working, what’s new, and how we can continue to grow as professionals.
What’s New This Year for FCS?
The FCS Division has added unique programming to make this year’s conference even more memorable:
Hospitali-TEA Social – Tuesday, Dec. 9 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Kick off the week with a warm welcome at our first-ever Hospitali-TEA, a fun, interactive social designed to help members connect and celebrate together. Attendees will learn about tea traditions, etiquette, and entrepreneurship—all while enjoying great conversation and community. Don’t forget to wear your favorite hat for this special occasion! The evening will also feature our FCS Division Awards presentation, recognizing excellence in the field.
NOTE: You must purchase a ticket for the Hospitali-TEA by Nov. 15 to attend.
Opening Panel: “Pathways with Purpose: FCS and the Future of Work” – Wednesday, Dec. 10
This panel features FCS professionals who are leaders in the field and will highlight the critical role FCS plays in workforce development. Expect a thoughtful conversation that connects FCS programs to the future of work and the evolving career clusters.
Hospitality Room, Roundtables, and Best Practices Networking
These sessions provide opportunities to share ideas, gather classroom-ready resources, and build connections with colleagues who understand the challenges and triumphs of teaching FCS.
And of course, attendees can take part in all the incredible workshops, sessions, and learning opportunities VISION has to offer—each designed to be practical, relevant, and directly usable in the classroom.
Don’t Miss Out
If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time!
Click here to secure your spot.
Join us in Nashville this Dec. 9–12 for an unforgettable week of learning, networking, and celebrating the power of FCS in shaping the future workforce.
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FCS Division Annual Meeting
Mark your calendar! The ACTE Family and Consumer Sciences Division Annual Business Meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6:00–7:15 p.m. EST. This is a great opportunity to stay informed about division updates, hear important reports, and learn what’s ahead for our professional community.
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link, so be sure to sign up in advance.
We hope to see you there — you don’t want to miss out! 😊
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Calling All Second and Third Career FCS Teachers!
Family and Consumer Sciences teachers come from so many unique backgrounds, and that’s one of the things that makes our profession so strong. Some of you didn’t start your career in the classroom — you may have spent years in business, health, design, culinary arts, or another field before deciding to teach. That journey is something worth celebrating and learning from!
We want to hear your story. Why did you choose to leave your first career and step into education? What experiences shaped your path? And most importantly — what made you choose FCS as your teaching home?
Your perspective matters. By sharing your story, you’ll help us highlight the different ways people find their way to FCS, while also inspiring others who may be considering the same leap.
We’ve created a short survey to capture your experiences. Here are a few of the questions you’ll see:
- What was your first career before becoming an FCS teacher?
- How many years did you work in your previous career?
- What made you decide to become a teacher?
- Why did you specifically choose Family and Consumer Sciences?
- Who or what influenced your decision to enter teaching?
Every story adds to the bigger picture of who we are as FCS educators. Whether you’ve been teaching for just a few months or many years, your journey matters.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below. Your input will not only help us understand your experiences, but also celebrate the variety of paths that lead to our profession.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community — and for the passion and wisdom you bring to your students every single day!
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FCS Connection Calls
The FCS Division is excited to start hosting regular FCS Connection calls. These will be evening Zoom calls where we spend an hour sharing ideas, learning from each other, and having real conversations about what works in our classrooms. Each call will have an educator host sharing tips on a practical topic, then we’ll open it up for discussion so everyone can join in.
We want them to be useful and meaningful for YOU. That’s where we need your help!
What topics are you interested in learning about? Is there something you’d love to see offered that would help you in your classroom or program? Do you know someone who would make a great guest host, and if so—what would they share?
Please take just a moment to fill out this quick form so we can plan professional development that truly meets your needs. Your input will shape these opportunities, and we can’t do it without you!
Together, we can make these calls fun, relevant, and something you’ll look forward to. Thanks for being part of the process—we can’t wait to hear your ideas!
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Celebrate the Best in Family and Consumer Sciences
2025 NATFCS Awards Nominations Now Open
It’s time to recognize the BEST of FCS! Nominations are officially open for the 2025 NATFCS Awards, and we want to hear from you. Help us honor the educators and champions who are shaping lives, strengthening communities, and elevating the FCS profession.
This year’s awards highlight excellence across every stage of a career and beyond:
- Teacher of the Year – Recognizing outstanding excellence in classroom instruction.
- New Teacher of the Year – Celebrating fresh talent making a strong impact in the early years of teaching.
- Teacher Educator of the Year – Honoring those preparing and inspiring the next generation of FCS educators.
- Champion for FCS Award – Spotlighting individuals outside of the classroom who advocate for and elevate our profession.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Recognizing a career of dedication, leadership, and lasting impact in FCS.
Note: Nominations must be submitted by current ACTE/NATFCS members.
Deadline for nominations: Oct. 15
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Award recipients will be recognized during VISION, where their achievements will be celebrated on a national stage among colleagues and leaders in career and technical education (CTE).
These awards aren’t just about recognition — they are about telling the stories of FCS professionals who are making a difference in classrooms, communities, and careers every single day. If you know someone who deserves to be celebrated, don’t miss this opportunity to lift them up!
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Celebrate a FCS Leader Who Makes a Difference
FCS professionals do more than teach — they inspire, mentor, and shape the future of our field. Every year, the FCS Division Roll of Honor recognizes those extraordinary leaders who go above and beyond, and now it’s your chance to help celebrate someone deserving.
Since 1960, the Roll of Honor has highlighted leaders whose dedication has left a lasting impact on FCS education. Your $500+ contribution to the ACTE/FCS Graduate Fellowship Fund not only honors a remarkable professional but also supports the next generation of FCS educators pursuing advanced degrees. To date, this fund has provided over $180,000 in support.
Honorees are celebrated during the Hospitali-TEA Social at VISION, surrounded by peers who appreciate their hard work and commitment.
To nominate someone, submit your contribution (individual or group) by Nov. 1. For more information, contact Dawn Mallette.
Let’s take this opportunity to recognize today’s FCS leaders while investing in the leaders of tomorrow!
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ACTE/FCS Graduate Fellowship Award
The FCS Education Division of ACTE (formerly AVA) has supported future leaders in Family and Consumer Sciences education since 1960. The Graduate Fellowship Award recognizes graduate students making progress in their degree, contributing to the profession, and actively involved in ACTE and FCS associations.
Deadline: Apply by Nov. 1
To apply, submit the Fellowship Survey, transcripts, a short autobiographical sketch, three recommendation letters (including one from an FCS professional), and a professional photo.
| | This fellowship is a fantastic opportunity to gain recognition and support as you prepare to lead in FCS education. | |
FCS Division Awards
Do you know an amazing Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) professional who deserves to be recognized? We need your help nominating outstanding individuals for the FCS Division Awards!
Applications and detailed information about each award can be found here
and on the ACTE website.
Nomination Deadline: Nov. 1
Questions? Please contact Marla Sterling
During the ACTE VISION Conference, the FCS Division proudly recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession and to our division.
Award Categories
Outstanding Contributions Award – Presented to a current member of the FCS Division who has made exceptional contributions to Family and Consumer Sciences and the ACTE FCS Division.
Citation Award – Honors individuals or groups outside FCS Education (such as legislators, business leaders, media professionals, or organizations) who have made notable contributions to FCS Education at the state, regional, or national level through service, monetary support, or other unique efforts.
| Help us shine a spotlight on those who make a difference in Family and Consumer Sciences! | | |
Last Chance to Save on VISION Registration!
Don’t miss ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2025, the premier gathering for CTE professionals! Join 5,000+ educators, administrators, business leaders and industry experts this Dec. 9–12 (Tuesday–Friday) at the spectacular Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Choose from hundreds of concurrent sessions on teaching strategies, curriculum design, strategies for improving student success and more
- Be inspired by keynote speakers and thought leaders sharing the latest trends shaping CTE
- Discover innovative tools, technologies and classroom resources in the CareerTech Expo
- Take a deeper dive into focused CTE topics via pre-conference workshops and local tours
- Honor your peers and excellence in the field at the ACTE Awards Gala
Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned educator, VISION offers something for everyone. Register by Oct. 13 to secure discounted rates!
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Exercise Your Right to Vote!
Renew Your Membership by Nov. 10
Ensure your membership is current by Nov. 10 to participate in the 2026 ACTE board of directors’ election.
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Student Video Contest: Gateway to the Cosmos — NASA’s Lunar Outpost
ACTE and NASA HUNCH invite students of all ages to enter the eighth annual Student Video Challenge: Gateway to the Cosmos — NASA’s Lunar Outpost. This year’s theme explores NASA’s Gateway as a vital stepping stone for humankind’s return to the moon and exploration of deep space. Students are challenged to imagine its impact on science, technology and humanity — while showcasing the CTE courses and careers that make it possible. Together, let’s celebrate a century of CTE excellence while inspiring the next generation of innovators who will lead us into the cosmos. Open to individuals or teams. Submit a two-minute video by April 1.
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Mentorship Matters: Apply for CTE for All Mentorship Program
Apply now for ACTE’s CTE for All Mentorship Program , proudly sponsored by IMAGO — to help members grow, lead and thrive through meaningful professional relationships. Whether you’re seeking guidance or ready to mentor, this program fosters a welcoming CTE community, supports career development, builds professional networks and encourages lifelong learning. Take the next step in your journey — applications are due Jan. 11!
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Elevate Your Impact: Apply for NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Fellowship
Ready to shape the future of postsecondary CTE? Apply now for the 2026 NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leadership Fellowship — a powerful, yearlong experience that builds leadership skills, expands your network and boosts your impact. Fellows gain immersive training, personalized mentorship and opportunities for national advocacy. Applications are due Dec. 15, and your journey begins Jan. 28. Learn more about program expectations, benefits and costs, and take your next step toward transformative leadership.
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Keep Your Member Profile Up to Date!
One of the easiest ways to be sure you’re receiving the latest ACTE updates, resources and opportunities is by keeping your member profile current. A quick update ensures you’ll always receive:
- Election communications sent to your preferred email and mailing address
- Division and region-specific newsletters, eblasts and updates tailored to your interests
- Full access to the Techniques archive
- On-demand learning through CTE Learn
- Access to CTE Communities
- Exclusive offers through the new Member Deals program
Quick steps to update your profile:
1. Log in at acteonline.org.
2. Click the “Profile” tab.
3. Confirm or update your personal email and mobile number.
To update your Techniques subscription preferences, click on My Demographics and select the pencil icon to update preferences (scroll down for Preference for Techniques magazine subscription). Stay connected; update your member profile today!
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Association for Career and Technical Education
1410 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-3111
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