President's Message
There is always STRENGTH in numbers! My name is Toshieba Ragland, and I am elated to be serving as your VATFACS President for the 2023-2024 year. Thank you to everyone who attended our 2023 PDI in Harrisonburg, VA! We had an unBEElievable institute, and some awesome sessions as well. If you were unable to attend this past year, we are hoping you will mark your calendars for the 2024 PDI, July 20-24, Our incredible theme “I’m an FCS Educator, what’s Your Superpower?” is being held at the Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Conference Center, in Harrisonburg, VA!! We are so over excited for this POWERFUL institute.
The board heroes are working very diligently to help make this institute one you will never forget! Please remember that our institute can only be as STRONG as our membership. There are many opportunities to become an FCS superhero! Please make sure to renew your VATFACS membership because there’s power in numbers. Also, sign up to be a driving force by becoming a part of our superhero committee. Visit our web page to check out on all the ways you can serve on the VATFACS CHAMPION Board of Directors.
“You are stronger than you believe. You have greater powers than you know.”
—Antiope to Diana, Wonder Woman movie
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you soaring around Harrisonburg in July 2024!
Your Wonder Woman President signing off!
Toshieba Ragland
President
Katharine Jackson, C.D. Hylton Senior High School/Prince William County/Region 4
What do you Teach this current 23-24 school year?
VA Teachers for Tomorrow, Child Development & Parenting, Independent Living
If you acquired a "SUPERPOWER", what would it be and why?
If I acquired a "superpower" I would want to fly or be able to transport back and forth instantly so that I would be able to go where I needed, not worry about traffic or packed hallways!
Tell us something fascinating about your educational teaching journey.
I started out teaching in special education. My heart is still there, but when I made the change to teaching FACS my passion came back. I have found my experience in special education and teaching elementary has helped in numerous ways. Some of my favorite parts are things I now get to do every day. This is part of where my passion I have for teaching VA Teachers for Tomorrow comes from. I also enjoy seeing former students become current students again! :)
Megan Hughes, Stone Hill Middle School/ Loudoun County Public Schools
What do you teach this current 23-24 school year?
Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory II and III. We call the classes FACS7 and Teen Living 8.
If you acquired a "SUPERPOWER", what would it be and why?
I would love to fly, so my commute would be much faster, and my shopping trips to the grocery store for food labs would take just minutes!!
Tell us something fascinating about your educational teaching journey.
My experiences as a Virginia FCCLA State Officer in 11th grade helped me decide to become a FCS teacher. My FCS teacher Kathleen Bohnsack, and the FCCLA State Staff became true role models to me, and helped me become a confident leader!
Melissa Martin, Giles High School/Giles County
Nutrition and Wellness, Child Development and Parenting, Life Skills, Into to Culinary Arts
If you acquired a "SUPERPOWER", what would it be and why?
Teleportation because I’m always running late.
Tell us something fascinating about your educational teaching journey.
I also have my endorsement to teach cosmetology. I cut hair while I was in college, and then added to my certification in case I ever needed it.
