Northeast Network 2025 Virtual Conference


NORTHEAST FCS EDUCATORS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 
"Be an FCS Influencer: Live It, Teach It, Share It"   
MARCH 8, 2025        9 AM -12 NOON ET

Register today for this unique NO COST professional development virtual event for current and prospective FCS educators.
Registration Closes at NOON ET on Friday, March 7th.
The ZOOM link will be emailed to all registrants.   

Attendees will have the opportunity to earn up to 3 Professional Development Units (PDUs).


Tentative Program Schedule:

9:00 AM

Introduction:  Stacy Dworzanski, NJ FCCLA Adviser and Lucais Romo, FCCLA VP of National Programs (Moderators)

Welcome:  Toni Wiese, AAFCS
9:15 AM General Session 1: Living and Learning: Growing an Impactful FCS Program - Nikki Heflin
9:40 AM General Session 2: Why FCS? - Student Panel from Indiana University PA and Messiah University
Michelle Tweardy, Indiana University PA, Moderator
10:05 AM  Break
10:10 AM  FCS Resources - Lori Myers, AAFCS
10:20 AM General session 3: Teaching Future Teachers: The Need for Teacher Educators - Janine Duncan, Nicole Graves, Susan Turgeson 
10:45 - 11:10 AM

 Breakout Sessions (Stay Tuned for More Information)
11:10 AM General Session 4: The AI and Revolution: Transforming Family and Consumer Sciences - Melanie Schmitt
11:35 AM Wrap Up - Door Prizes, Resources, PDUs, & Evaluation


And much more…

  • Engage in networking - sharing best practices and resources.
  • Discuss the value and relevance of FCS at the secondary and post-secondary levels.
  • Learn more about professional development opportunities.
  • Listen to the stories of prospective educators (panel) 
  • Win door prizes 
  • Have some FUN 

This conference is sponsored by the Northeast Network of the Partnership for Family and Consumer Sciences Education as part of the National Partnership to Recruit, Prepare, and Support FCS Educators.  The conference is hosted by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).

 For more information contact:  Email Stephanie Knight, Northeast Region Coordinator.  

Keynote:
“The Time to Make a Difference with FCS is NOW!”

Nikki Heflin

2024 National Teacher of the Year
American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)  

Nikki shares her journey of building a multifaceted FCS program that includes middle school, high school, and CTSO's. She reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building the district's program from the ground up, including developing culinary and ECE pathways, the addition of a middle school program, and first chapters of FCCLA and Prostart. She highlights strategies for grant writing, networking, public policy, curriculum and current events in FCS.

Keynote: 
“The AI Revolution:  Transforming Family and Consumer Sciences” 

Dr. Melanie Schmitt, CFCS

Assistant Professor of Practice

Texas Tech University

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing Family and Consumer Sciences. This session explores AI’s role as a powerful influencer—shaping classrooms, teaching strategies, and the future of the profession.

Keynote:
"Why FCS?"

Student Panelists

Indiana University PA and Messiah University

Michelle Tweardy, Indiana University PA, Moderator

 

Keynote: 
“Teaching Future Teachers: The Need for Teacher Educators"

Janine Duncan, Purdue University

Nicole Graves, South Dakota State University

Susan Turgeson, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point