(Alexandria, Va. – May 6, 2008)—Mary W. Ludwig, of Westport Teenage Parent Program (TAPP) School in Louisville, Kentucky, has been named American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) 2008 National Teacher of the Year (T.O.Y.). The announcement came today from AAFCS Executive Director Carolyn W. Jackson, CFCS, in commemoration of National Teacher Day. A representative from Goodheart-Willcox Publisher will present Ludwig with the prestigious AAFCS National Teacher of the Year award at the AAFCS 99th Annual Conference & Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 19, 2008.

The AAFCS National T.O.Y. award recognizes outstanding educational programs, methods, techniques, and activities that give visibility to family and consumer sciences (FCS) elementary and secondary education and support “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB). Each participating AAFCS affiliate selects its Teacher of the Year and the winning affiliate entries are submitted to AAFCS for the national competition. From this group, the Top T.O.Y.s are selected, with the most outstanding receiving the number one award. The National T.O.Y. is selected based upon the following criteria: integration of FCS with the core curriculum (NCLB) and other disciplines; exemplary level of professional commitment to FCS; goals and outcomes of the program; sustainability of the program; creativity, innovation, and cutting-edge techniques in the program; ability to sustain funding and overcome obstacles or challenges; positive influence on the lives of students; relevancy and timely impact on the students, school, and community; and increasing the visibility, recognition, and support of the FCS profession within the community.

Said Ludwig, “Winning this prestigious national award is an incredible experience, but to win this award teaching a subject matter that I dearly love and am very passionate about, is both totally awesome and very humbling at the same time! My students walk into my classroom during some of the most chaotic and tumultuous times in their lives. They are at a crossroads desperately searching for answers and a direction for their life and the life of their child. My classroom is a safe place of high expectations where no question is stupid, no one is dumb, and the tears and laughter flow equally on many occasions. Many of my students say we need a sign that says this is the “Stress-free Zone! Teaching at Westport TAPP and creating this program “The Fabric of Life” with the constant support of my principal, Mrs. Sara York, is my life’s work. With my lifelong love of learning new things ignited by my mother, carefully nurtured by my FACS teacher in high school, Sharon Kauka, and further challenged by a few key professors in college, I strive daily to create this same opportunity for my students as well as meet the federal, state and district requirements. To quote Christa McAuliffe, “I touch the future. I teach.” This, to me, is a tremendous responsibility and one that I eagerly accept. Thank you so much, AAFCS and Goodheart-Willcox Publishers, for sponsoring this award!”

In 2000, Ludwig implemented her award-winning fashion program for pregnant and parenting teens, “The Fabric of Life,” to help them improve their self-confidence and emotional stability, gain experience and knowledge about starting an entrepreneurial business, learn the skills necessary to obtain entry level positions in the field of computerized embroidery, and participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter activities and competitions.

Her students have won 1st place in Kentucky’s FCCLA Sew Trendy Competition for the last two years and received new sewing machines. Through her classes, students also develop communication, science, math, and leadership skills as part of their daily activities.

In both her Fashion 1 and 2 classes, Ludwig finds creative and innovative ways to spark the students’ interest in sewing and teach them basic concepts. The majority of Fashion 1 students have not had any previous sewing experience. Before they can use the sewing machine to create their first projects, they must earn their “Sewing Machine Operator’s License” by demonstrating the basic sewing machine procedures, including safety processes. In her Fashion 2 class, Ludwig uses “Sewing Pals,” two or three students with different skill levels and learning styles who are grouped together, to build a sense of community and allow students to learn from and help each other.

Ludwig has taken students on field trips to inspire their creativity and learn about careers in the field. She received a grant to take the students to see “The Lion King,” where they met actors and stage hands who showed them the magic of combining fabric, props, masks, puppets and various mechanical devices to allow the animals to come to life. Then they created their own “Circle of Life” project (textile item, mask, etc.) and wrote journal entries while listening to the soundtrack from the play.

Advanced students are also interested in creating items to help the community. For the last three years, they have created quilts, blankets, books, bibs, and stuffed animal for individuals at the Center for Women and Families, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence.

“She taught me so much in such a short time, but most of all she taught me things I am going to carry with me throughout my life,” said Ludwig’s former student Allie Fugate. “Without her, I do not think I would be the mother I am, the seamstress I am, or the woman I am becoming.” A 30-year member of AAFCS, Mary Ludwig has been teaching family and consumer sciences classes at Westport TAPP School since 1994. In addition to the AAFCS National Teacher of the Year award, she has received the Kentucky Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year award, WHAS-TV 11 ExCEL Award for excellence in teaching, and New Leader Award from the National Association of Women in Construction. She is an active member of many education-related organizations, including AAFCS, the Association for Career and Technical Education, Jefferson County Teachers Association, Kentucky Education Association, National Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Phi Upsilon Omicron.

Founded in 1909, the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is the only national not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides leadership and support to FCS students and professionals across multiple practice settings. FCS professionals help individuals, families, and communities make informed decisions about their well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. AAFCS’ 7,000 members are elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators, researchers, and administrators; Cooperative Extension educators; and other professionals in business and industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government. With national headquarters based in Alexandria, Va., AAFCS has 52 affiliates located across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Interviews/Quotes
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Sophy Mott at 703-706-4600 or smott@aafcs.org.