A&A Spotlight - Victoria Connor

Victoria Connor

Job Title: Family and Consumer Sciences Student Teacher

Current City/State: Denver, Colorado

Where did you grow up and what FCCLA chapter were you in?

I grew up in Centennial, Colorado. I was a member in the Cherry Creek FCCLA chapter at Cherry Creek High School.

What is your current career?

I am in my last semester at Colorado State University studying Family and Consumer Sciences education. I am also a member of the Advance CTE Elevating & Leveraging the Learner Voice in CTE Shared Solutions Workgroup.

What were some of your previous professional experiences that helped get you to where you are today?

Previously, I have worked as an FCCLA Leadership Intern, a Colorado FCCLA Conference Intern, and an AVID Tutor. Before college, I served as a chapter, state, and National FCCLA Officer.

How did your FCCLA experience help you prepare for your career?

FCCLA helped me develop the necessary professional skills to succeed in education. I utilize my public speaking skills daily when I’m teaching, workshop preparation skills for lesson planning, and leadership skills as a contributor to advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE). My experience in FCCLA advocating for CTE to school administrators, district professionals, and state and national legislators taught me to promote and advocate for FCS and CTE programs in schools. Additionally, my experience as an FCCLA member prepared me to become an FCCLA Adviser through my active membership in high school and close observation of other advisers.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of teaching and advancing CTE is the opportunity to impact students who come from diverse backgrounds through CTE and Family and Consumer Sciences. It is incredibly humbling to watch students develop into professional young adults through the valuable FCS education they receive. There are so many lessons to be learned from people possessing different backgrounds and life experiences. Not only do I get to teach my students foundational skills, they also teach me about their upbringings, cultures, and how I can be a better community member!

What was your favorite experience in FCCLA?

My favorite experience in FCCLA was visiting state associations and chapters to talk about the importance of FCS and lead workshops. I was able to see myself in the shoes of a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher and FCCLA Adviser even when I was still in high school. Those experiences allowed me the opportunity to get experience teaching in the classroom, coordinating with state and school administrators, and developing relationships with Family and Consumer Sciences teachers, students, and FCCLA members. I’m still friends with many of them today!

How has your job changed as a result of the pandemic?

As a result of the pandemic, my job has changed drastically. I have adapted to teaching in-person, hybrid, and remote—all at the same time! I have also learned how to incorporate interactive technology into my lessons, how to develop more meaningful relationships with colleagues and students, and how to adapt to anything thrown my way—thank you FCCLA for preparing me for every scenario!