The Adviser | Winter 2014 Continued from pg. 1
To Be Greater Than
FCCLA advisers have opportunities to be greater as educators than they would be on their own by making use of the resources and curriculum materials available through the organization. A menu of programs with ready-to-use resources and program guides support chapters through creating and carrying out projects.
“FCCLA helps me as a teacher exceed expectations because I learn so much from the organization and networking with other Family and Consumer Sciences teachers. Because of this, my classroom instruction is more exciting,” says DiGioia-Laird. “Providing opportunities for FCCLA in the classroom creates excitement and motivates students to exceed expectations. FCCLA-driven projects such as service learning, competitive events,
and national programs bring greater dimension to the classroom. They stimulate the learning environment.” FCCLA also provides a supportive network for professional development for Family and Consumer Sciences educators committed to the success of their students. “I am recharged every year to be more and do more. I think this is important because I have been a teacher for 41 years and no two years have been the same. I am always adding something or doing something differently because I am constantly revitalizing myself through FCCLA,” DiGioia-Laird says.
To Go Beyond Limits
One of the best things about FCCLA for advisers is watching students go beyond their own self-imposed limits and become more than they thought they could be. “Given the
opportunity to take the lead, students exceed my expectations and their own potential. The confidence that students develop through FCCLA is a game changer for them,” says DiGioia-Laird. “Grades improve and the ability to overcome challenges is extraordinary. Excuses are replaced with ‘can-do.’ Character development, maturation, and leadership growth fit together with the help of a trusted adult. This sets the foundation for a successful life. Students find themselves exceeding expectations everywhere.”
With all that FCCLA has to offer, busy advisers feeling overwhelmed with the need to do more with less need look no farther than FCCLA for all the tools they need to exceed expectations.
10 Ways Students Exceed Their Own Expectations with FCCLA By Wendy Ambrose MN FCCLA Executive Director FCCLA enables members to exceed their own expectations in a variety of ways, including some of the following:
1. Challenging themselves to do more than they might have without FCCLA. 2. Becoming inspired by other officers, peers, or by watching state or national officers in their roles.
3. Hanging out with a positive peer group that FCCLA provides. Sometimes the peer group will be expanded to be other youth leaders in towns in the region, or across the nation. 4. Being inspired by hearing great speakers and presentations.
5. Taking on a new project with a national program area like obesity prevention in Student Body or preventing distracted driving with FACTS (Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety).
6. Realizing the value of a caring adult (FCCLA adviser) in your life who can encourage, bring corrective suggestions, and monitor your life choices.
7. Learning new ways to have a voice—speaking up (public speaking skills), developing skills for advocacy, becoming good at being in a chapter, on a team, or assuming an officer role. 8. Developing skills for communication: writing, reading, research, speaking, and public relations through FCCLA chapter and officer roles.
9. Learning to set goals and working in baby steps to reach that goal (career exploration, STAR Events, project work, service projects, officer roles). 10. Being a member of boards, committees, and task forces as a member or officer allows members to try out new skills of governance and civic engagement.
4