AMANA, IA – Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educators from across the state gathered recently at the historic Hotel Millwright in the Amana Colonies for the 2026 IFCSE Spring Conference. Under the theme "Reignite, Reconnect, Reimagine," the event served as a vital retreat and professional development hub for the teachers who are shaping the next generation of Iowa’s workforce and community leaders.
The conference was presided over by Sarah O'Rourke and Glenda Seward, both of the Mid-Prairie School District, who served the past year with distinction as IFCSE Presidents. Their leadership emphasized the critical intersection of educator we l-being and classroom excellence.
Leadership for a New Era
As the association looks toward the 2026-2027 term, a new slate of leaders was affirmed to carry the momentum forward. Amanda Tow will take the helm as President, supported by a dedicated executive team including Jenni Gross as Secretary, LuAnne Bibler as Treasurer, and Mekayla Schilling serving as the FCCLA Representative. During the annual business meeting, the association further strengthened its future pipeline by electing Paula Long (HLV School District)and Katelyn Weaver (Albia School District) to the positions of Co-President Elect. O’Rourke and Seward wi l continue to oversee the organization through their role of Past-President.
The Vital Role of FCS Education
In an era of rapid societal change, the conference highlighted the profound importance of Family and Consumer Sciences. FCS education is not merely a set of classroom labs; it is the "science of living." By equipping students with essential ski ls in human development, financial literacy, nutritional science, and career readiness, FCS educators are addressing the most pressing needs of modern society.
"FCS education is foundational to the future of humanity," the association leaders noted. "We are teaching the skills that build strong families, sustainable communities, and resilient individuals. When we empower a student to manage a household, understand a budget, or pursue a career in hospitality or human services, we are investing in the very fabric of our society."
We didn't want this to be another sit-and-get PowerPoint session," said Sarah O'Rourke. "We designed this as a 'Retreat-ference.' FCS teachers are often the 'departments of one' in their buildings. Getting them together to share best practices—everything from culinary lab management to work-based learning and Industry Recognized Credentials—isn't just a luxury; it’s how we stay inspired and effective for our students."
Glenda Seward emphasized the unique "Well-Being Lab" that allowed educators to experience the same sensory and emotional regulation techniques they teach their students. "When we collaborate as co leagues, we aren’t just swapping project rubrics, classroom management strategies, and lesson plans," Seward noted. "We are building a support system. An educator who feels supported and connected is an educator who stays in the classroom. This conference was about the 'Human ROI'—the return on investment for the teachers themselves."
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) serves as the indispensable foundation of work-based learning and the development of human capital because it focuses on the "science of living" across all spheres of existence. By integrating rigorous academic standards with practical, real-world application, FCS equips individuals with the essential soft skills and technical competencies required to thrive in the family, the community, and the global workforce. This discipline cultivates the primary human capital—emotional intelligence, financial literacy, nutritional health, and interpersonal communication—that serves as the prerequisite for any successful career path. When students engage in FCS, they are not just preparing for a job; they are mastering the foundational systems of self-management and social responsibility that drive economic stability and societal well-being, effectively bridging the gap between classroom theory and the sustainable future of humanity.
Celebrating Excellence: 2025-2026 Award Winners
A highlight of the conference was the annual Dinner and Awards Banquet. Cale Hutchings, Career and Technical Education Bureau Chief at the Iowa Department of Education, gave an update on current state initiatives for a l Career and Technical Education, specifically Family and Consumer Sciences. Mark Schneider of Wellman, Iowa, served as the Keynote Speaker, connecting passion and purpose to life and work.
The IFCSE organization recognized outstanding contributions to the field of FCS across Iowa. The IFCSE was proud to announce the following honorees:
● IFCSE Administrator of the Year: Dr. Rachel Bruce Sagert- Council Bluffs Community School District
● IFCSE Business-Education Partnership Award: Patrick George- Florida Fruit Association
● IFCSE and Carl Perkins Community Service Award: Jennifer Gross- Wapsie Valley
● IFCSE Champion of FCS Award: John Andres- DMACC
● IFCSE Counseling and Career Development Professional Award: Clay Harold- Baxter Community School District
● IFCSE Educators of the Year: Amanda Tow- Baxter CSD & Kaitlin Moon- Nevada CD
● IFCSE Lifetime Achievement Award: Marta Brooks, Retired FCS Educator & RPP Consultant- Mississippi Bend AEA
● IFCSE Outstanding New Educator Award: Addie Wood- Denison CSD
● IFCSE Student of the Year: Selma Mehmedovic- Iowa State University FCS Student
Investing in the Next Generation
To ensure the continued growth of the profession, IFCSE awarded two significant scholarships to future educators who demonstrate exceptional promise and a passion for the discipline. The 2026 scholarship recipients are Selma Mehmedovic and Ivory Kronberg.
About IFCSE
The Iowa Family and Consumer Sciences Educators (IFCSE) association is a professional organization dedicated to providing leadership, advocacy, and professional development for FCS teachers. Through high-impact learning experiences and community building, IFCSE remains a powerful voice for Iowa students and families. The IFCSE organization connects FCS teachers across the state through curriculum development, mentoring, and professional conferences throughout the year.