IFCSE Conference
Launch the media gallery 1 playerIowa Family and Consumer Sciences Educators (IFCSE) Conference Held
Cheryl and Laura Beaver Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) teachers from Clarinda HS/MS and Boone HS attended an exciting 2013 Iowa Family and Consumer Sciences Educators (IFCSE) conference. Laura , daughter of Ron and Cheryl Beaver, graduated from ISU in December 2012 and this is her first teaching job at Boone HS. She is a 2009 graduate of Clarinda High School. Cheryl is starting her 33rd year at Clarinda Community Schools. She served as a Key Leader to help plan this year’s conference.
Family and Consumer Sciences educators from all over the state of Iowa gathered together to network with other professionals and learn valuable new skills to use in the classroom. This was an exciting year for the organization as it unveiled an updated logo as well as a new website (vvww.lowafcseducators.com) with teacher resources.
Keynote speaker, Lindsay Shirley inspired this year's theme, "FCS... The APP for Life." Shirley works as an Assistant Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences Education at Utah State University serving as a Clothing and Textiles Extension Specialist. She strives to challenge teachers to use technology to engage youth and adults in learning important life skills. Presentations, educational sessions, and speakers, were offered enabling participants to examine critical issues facing educators and families today, including 21st Century Skills, financial literacy, and infusing technology into the classroom. The Monday night awards banquet honored educators, students, and community members for demonstrating excellence in FCS education.
In addition, keynote speaker Mary Ann Adams, State FCS Consultant for the Iowa Department of Education, shared statewide FCS updates and current information concerning FCS, Core Curriculum and 21st Century Skills. Participants also heard from Mary Jane German, Professor Emeritus at Kirkwood Community College, about the bright outlook for the Hospitality and Tourism industry and career opportunities for students. Rounding out the conference was a panel of early childhood experts. Jane Kramer of Ellsworth Community College, Dam Madigan of Iowa AEYC and Patsy Steffen of DMACC shared their knowledge of early childhood careers and their relationship to Family and Consumer Sciences.