Northeast Network 2026 Virtual Conference


Conference Flyer


NORTHEAST FCS EDUCATORS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 
"Be a FCS Ambassador: Connect to the Future"   
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026       
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 6th.
The ZOOM link will be emailed automatically to all registrants upon registration.   

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


Tentative Program Schedule:

9:00 AM

Welcome
9:10  AM

First General Session: Human-Centered AI in Family and Consumer Sciences: Practical Tools, Ethical Use, and Classroom Integration
9:45 AM Breakout Session 1: Let’s Talk about AI

10:05 AM

 BREAK
10:10 AM

AAFCS: Credentialing and Pre-Professional Assessment and Certification (Pre-PAC)
10:25 AM Second General Session:  Inspiring Future Teachers through FCS and Leadership
10:55 AM

Breakout Session 2: FCS Classroom Content
11:15 AM

Third General Session: Architects of Learning: A Reciprocal Cluster Model for Cultivating Engaged Students and Effective Educators 
11:45 AM Wrap Up and Door Prizes




First General Session:  
Human-Centered AI in Family and Consumer Sciences: Practical Tools, Ethical Use, and Classroom Integration

Dr. Melanie Schmitt, CFCS

Assistant Professor of Practice

Texas Tech University

Better understand AI’s role in FCS content areas, explore ethical and responsible use, and learn simple, realistic ways to integrate AI tools into curriculum planning, instruction, and student learning—without losing the relational, values-driven foundation of the profession.

 

Second General Session: 
“Inspiring Future Teachers through FCS and Leadership”

Mia Battistone

2025 National Teacher of the Year
American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)  

Each of us plays a role in shaping the next generation of educators. When we introduce teaching early and connect FCS and leadership experiences to real-world impact, students begin to see teaching as meaningful, powerful, and attainable. Together, we can create supportive pathways that inspire the next generation of passionate, confident educators.

Third General Session:  

Architects of Learning: A Reciprocal Cluster Model for Cultivating Engaged Students and Effective Educators 

Fernanda Armoza, MS Ed, MBA & Melissa Jacobs, PhD


Explore a model that breaks down educational silos and positions FCS classrooms as hubs for authentic community engagement such as nutrition partnerships or intergenerational exchanges. Start small and build to demonstrate the indispensable role of FCS in student and community development.


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 




Breakout Session 2: FCS Classroom Content (choose one)

Room 1

Bring Back FCS: Grassroots Marketing

Julian Costa (PA)

Room 2

FACS Literacy: Making It Work for You

Kelly White (NY)

Room 3

FCCLA: Real World Skills

Macalie Hoffman (PA)

Room 4

Financial Literacy Ambassadors:

Glenda Lindsey (MD) and Morgan State University Students

Room 5

From Farm to Culinary Arts

Jennifer Rothman (CT)

Room 6

Infant & Toddler Child Care Program

Jennifer Crandall (ME)

Room 7

Sustainable Fashion

Dawn Santana (NJ)

Room 8

Tips and Ideas to Implement and Engage

Mia Battistone (MN) 




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.