Family & Consumer Sciences. I am sure that to most people those words mean very little. They might conjure up an image of their 'Home Ec' classroom from high school, or they might not trigger any memories at all. But to me, those words encompass what I do. I get the privilege of teaching kids practical skills, concepts, and ideas that they will be able to use and think about for the rest of their lives. As a teacher, what else could you ask for?
So WHY did I chose to teach FCS? My first thought is, "Why not?" Why wouldn't I want to teach something that is practical, hands on, applicable, and lifelong? Why wouldn't I want to be a teacher that can go on field trips to the grocery store, take a walk to look at houses, or even go to the mall? Why wouldn't I want to build relationships with students, be the only teacher who sees their potential, or see them blossom within my classroom? Honestly, how could I say no?
Why wouldn't I want to teach something that is practical, hands on, applicable, and lifelong?
Practicality is one of my favorite perks of teaching FCS. I get to help my students develop their communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills; skills that they will use every day, whether in school or on the job. I also teach them how to eat properly, how to interact with their family, and how to deal with issues that could arise in the workplace. All of it is has so much application outside of the classroom! Quite frankly, students want information that they can apply outside of school, and I get to be the person that gives them what they want--talk about a great way to become a favorite teacher! :)
Why wouldn't I want to be a teacher that can go on field trips to the grocery store, take a walk to look at houses, or even go to the mall?
A shopping trip...need I say more? Once again...it's so practical! It's all about giving them real world experiences and getting them prepared to be successful there! And if I get to enjoy some food and do some shopping in the process, who am I to complain!?
Why wouldn't I want to build relationships with students, be the only teacher who sees their potential, or see them blossom within my classroom?
At the heart of my love for teaching lies my students. I do what I do because of them; even when they don't listen and make me want to pull my hair out! I am lucky to be an FCS teacher because I get to teach fun things. We get to cook, sew, and build blanket forts--yes, that really happened! I get to create a classroom environment that is quite nontraditional. I get to put my students in an academic environment where they can thrive, an experience that might be brand new to some. I get to tell them how well they are doing and show them that they have potential. These are the things that make being a teacher absolutely, 100% totally worth it. If I can walk away from education and say that I have made a difference for just one student, I will consider my career a success. The students make teaching the content easy. When they're enjoying what they are doing, they don't even realize that they working hard and learning in the process!
If you've made it this far, you're probably wondering why I chose to write about this topic. Well let me fill you in! There is a huge shortage of FCS teachers right now, not only in Nebraska and the Midwest, but across the country! So if you have ever given thought to becoming an educator, I challenge you to think about becoming an FCS teacher. Yes, I pointed out the best of the best in this post, and yes, it definitely has its days--but what career doesn't! But if at any point in your reading you thought to yourself, "That! That's what I love to do!" or "Yes! I want to be able to experience that!" then I do believe I'm talking (or technically writing) to someone who would make an outstanding Family & Consumer Sciences teacher!
Think about it. Do some research. Ask Questions!
NASAFACS provides some AWESOME resources to potential FCS teachers, so this page is a great place to start!
So WHY did I chose to teach FCS? My first thought is, "Why not?" Why wouldn't I want to teach something that is practical, hands on, applicable, and lifelong? Why wouldn't I want to be a teacher that can go on field trips to the grocery store, take a walk to look at houses, or even go to the mall? Why wouldn't I want to build relationships with students, be the only teacher who sees their potential, or see them blossom within my classroom? Honestly, how could I say no?
Why wouldn't I want to teach something that is practical, hands on, applicable, and lifelong?
Practicality is one of my favorite perks of teaching FCS. I get to help my students develop their communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills; skills that they will use every day, whether in school or on the job. I also teach them how to eat properly, how to interact with their family, and how to deal with issues that could arise in the workplace. All of it is has so much application outside of the classroom! Quite frankly, students want information that they can apply outside of school, and I get to be the person that gives them what they want--talk about a great way to become a favorite teacher! :)
Why wouldn't I want to be a teacher that can go on field trips to the grocery store, take a walk to look at houses, or even go to the mall?
A shopping trip...need I say more? Once again...it's so practical! It's all about giving them real world experiences and getting them prepared to be successful there! And if I get to enjoy some food and do some shopping in the process, who am I to complain!?
Why wouldn't I want to build relationships with students, be the only teacher who sees their potential, or see them blossom within my classroom?
At the heart of my love for teaching lies my students. I do what I do because of them; even when they don't listen and make me want to pull my hair out! I am lucky to be an FCS teacher because I get to teach fun things. We get to cook, sew, and build blanket forts--yes, that really happened! I get to create a classroom environment that is quite nontraditional. I get to put my students in an academic environment where they can thrive, an experience that might be brand new to some. I get to tell them how well they are doing and show them that they have potential. These are the things that make being a teacher absolutely, 100% totally worth it. If I can walk away from education and say that I have made a difference for just one student, I will consider my career a success. The students make teaching the content easy. When they're enjoying what they are doing, they don't even realize that they working hard and learning in the process!
If you've made it this far, you're probably wondering why I chose to write about this topic. Well let me fill you in! There is a huge shortage of FCS teachers right now, not only in Nebraska and the Midwest, but across the country! So if you have ever given thought to becoming an educator, I challenge you to think about becoming an FCS teacher. Yes, I pointed out the best of the best in this post, and yes, it definitely has its days--but what career doesn't! But if at any point in your reading you thought to yourself, "That! That's what I love to do!" or "Yes! I want to be able to experience that!" then I do believe I'm talking (or technically writing) to someone who would make an outstanding Family & Consumer Sciences teacher!
Think about it. Do some research. Ask Questions!
NASAFACS provides some AWESOME resources to potential FCS teachers, so this page is a great place to start!