In My FACS Era
Using the Past to Create the Future
š” President's Message š”
Happy CTE Month VATFACS!
We finally made it through January. I hope all of you were able to stay warm and cozy inside with all of the winter weather we had last month. Up here in Northern Virginia, I donāt think weāll see the end of the āsnow-creteā anytime soon. I am even more ready for some sun and sand this summer at conference!
February is CTE month, where we celebrate FCS educator day on February 11, during FCCLA week, February 9-13. This is the perfect time to highlight all of the positive things happening in FCS classrooms across Virginia. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and tag us in your post! Letās āwhisk up some loveā for CTE month, FCS style! Use the hashtag #VATFACSheartsCTE.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Founded as the American Vocational Association (AVA) in 1926, Home Economics Education was one of the original six sections that comprised the AVA. Home ec classrooms 100 years ago probably look a little different than they do today, but FCS isnāt outdated - itās foundational. From budgeting and nutrition to education, wellness, and entrepreneurship, FCS has always shaped lives. Now itās shaping the future workforce ā Virginia FCS students have a ālatteā opportunities to participate in a variety of high-quality work based-learning experiences. You could say that FCS is a perfect āmatchaā for CTE month! FCS has always addressed real-world needs, before ācareer readinessā was a buzzword.
Now is the perfect time to renew your membership or join VATFACS! You should definitely swipe right on your professional association. Some call it professional development; I call it a perfect match. Weāve got all the right ingredients for your professional growth. Wonāt you be our member, valentine? VATFACS is made with love.
You had at me life skills,
Dr. Amber Tiernan, President
Katherine Jackson, VA ACTE Representative
Katharine Jackson is Prince William County born and raised. She is a Prince William County graduate, where she now teaches. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology, Masters in Special Education, Educational Specialist in K-12 Leadership and is working on her EdD. After 7 years in special education, she decided to make a change. In 2022, she made the move to Family & Consumer Science. She was passionate about restarting the program at her current school and launching the Teachers for Tomorrow program there.
She currently teaches Teachers for Tomorrow, Early Childhood Education, Intro to ECE and Child Development & Parenting at C.D. Hylton Senior High School, where her husband also works as the Custodial Assistant Manager. She is an Educators Rising teacher leader and FCCLA adviser. She has had several national award winners at Educators Rising and is very passionate about growing this CTSO.
She is married, with her sweet miracle daughter, Sarah Beth, who is now 4.
Karen Roberts, Treasurer
Karen is a highly accomplished educator with over 25 years of experience as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. Her dedication and excellence in the classroom have earned her recognition, including being named an Excellent Educator by WAVY TV 10 and a finalist for the ACTE National Teacher of the Year. She brings a gentle, guiding approach to her work, which extends to her significant leadership roles, such as serving as an ACTE National Leadership Fellow and a member of the FCCLA state management team. Karen currently contributes her expertise as a board member for both VATFACS and HRUAg, demonstrating a lasting commitment to shaping the future of education and community well-being. Whether advising students in Key Club, Educators Rising, or Y Street, Karen's approachable style fosters growth and success in every endeavor.
Susan von Shaack, VATFACS Vice President
Susan von Schaack is a 30 year retired teacher from Fairfax County where she taught 7th - 12th grade. Some of the coursework she taught included Gourmet Foods, Child Development and Parenting, Life Planning, and Middle School Exploratory II and III.
She is an FCCLA Adviser mentor at KJMS and FHS in Fairfax City. Additionally, Susan has been responsible for the FCCLA Shop at the annual SLRC and on the A&A Board of Directors.
Susan was instrumental in connecting with and organizing all of the exhibitors as well as providing your "Swag of the Day" each day during the PDI and the wonderful oceanfront reception with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. She and her committee members were seen at the hospitality table and roulette wheel giving away all of the cool gifts!
Susan is pictured here with "Presenter Extraordinaire": Sarah Ummen!
Susan would love to have your input! If you have any suggestions of exhibitors or hospitality connections, reach out!
2026 VA ACTE Excellence Awards
The ACTE Excellence Awards recognize those members who have made extraordinary contributions to CTE, programs that exemplify the highest standards and organizations that have conducted activities to promote and expand CTE programs. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to ACTE: they embody the core values of serving their students and being committed to CTE. All ACTE Excellence Awards are presented at the ACTE Awards Gala in conjunction with ACTEās CareerTech VISION.
Congratulations to Allison Burns for winning the VA ACTE Teacher of the Year and Chef Sean Appleby on being named New Teacher of the Year for 2026! We just love it when our VATFACS members bring home the gold! Best of luck as they both proceed to the Region II Competitions!
Allison Burns VA ACTE Teacher of the Year 2026
Chef Sean Appleby VA ACTE New Teacher of the Year 2026
Did you know that VATFACS, Inc. is the sole provider of FCS professional development for FCS teachers in Virginia? In order for this to continue to happen, we need you!
Join in on the fun and be part of our committees? There are various ways to get involved with the 2025-2026 VATFACS Conference planning, constitution and bylaws revisions, mentoring new and career switcher teachers, and much more! Click on the QR code below to complete and interest form.
Thank you!
Did you know your VATFACS membership also includes membership to Virginia ACTE (VA ACTE)?
What is that?
VA ACTE is the organization that advocates, supports and serves all CTE programs in Virginia. They help to influence public policy related to CTE programs, put on professional development, give awards and grants and support all program areas.
The Virginia Association for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences, Inc. (VATFACS, Inc.) is an organization dedicated to promoting Family and Consumer Sciences in Virginia public schools to improve the lives of our students, their families, and our communities.
VATFACS, Inc.ās mission is to promote professional development opportunities for family and
consumer sciences teachers in Virginia, provide opportunity for collaboration with family and
consumer sciences professionals, and support the purposes of the
Virginia Association of Career and Technical (VA ACTE).
