Maurica Giles to be Honored

Maurica Giles, a family and consumer sciences teacher at Brownsboro ISD, is being honored by the Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers Association of Texas (FCSTAT) for her dedicated service of 30 years in the teaching profession. The award will be presented at FCSTAT's Annual Awards Program, Thursday, August 7th, 2008, at the Sheraton Hotel, Dallas, Texas. The awards program will be held during the 2008 State Professional Development Tri-Cluster Conference for the Education & Training, Hospitality & Tourism and Human Services Career Clusters.

The conference is planned and coordinated by the Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers Association of Texas. Approximately 1,500 teachers are expected to attend the conference, titled Making the Connection, which will focus on curriculum, resources, priorities, and policies and procedures for effective local programs coming under the three clusters. The sessions and workshops will also focus on technology training, conflict resolution/ mediation strategies, effective teaching strategies for diverse student populations, maximizing career preparation opportunities, and accommodating the instructional needs of all students. These areas of focus reflect priorities of federal Perkins funding as well as state initiatives.

Family and Consumer Sciences Education, which is primarily offered through the three clusters, provides students with knowledge and skills that prepare them for assuming family, career and community roles as they make the transition from school to work.

Family and consumer sciences courses serve as a practical lab for academics by reinforcing academic concepts. Students apply what they learn to real life situations in home, personal and occupational life. The subject matter addresses individual and family health, food and nutrition, financial planning and management of consumer resources. Teachers also give instruction in the areas of family living, parenthood education, child development and guidance, textiles and apparel, housing and home management.

In addition, family and consumer sciences includes in- structional programs that prepare youth to be productive in business and industry in occupational areas such as child care, elder care, food service, apparel and textiles, institutional maintenance, hospitality services, fashion design, and housing and home furnishings.

Family and consumer sciences teachers also sponsor local chapters of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), a student leadership organization open to current or former students of family and consumer sciences courses. FCCLA members learn leadership skills by planning and participating in activities and projects for the school and community, as well as competition at the local, state and national level.

Barbara Ann Garcia, 2008- 2009 FCSTAT president said, "It is a privilege to recognize and award a devoted and unique group of professionals for their years of service to Family and Consumer Sciences Education. Robert M. Hutchins said, `The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.' As Family and Consumer Sciences Educators, you have provided students with opportunities to gain knowledge and skills and develop the attitudes and behaviors that will prepare them for success in family life, work life, and careers. Throughout your years of service you have been a positive role model to your students and they will never forget you. I commend you for a job well done."