Sessions & Presenters

Rolling Out the New Wisconsin Family and Consumer Sciences Standards

Julie Anderson, CFCS
Family & Consumer Sciences Education Consultant & Wisconsin FCCLA State Adviser
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

The new and updated Wisconsin Family and Consumer Sciences standards were recently released. Head to this session to hear about updates, changes, and how you can "roll out" the new standards into your FCS curriculum. To best be prepared for this session please have a device available for use.

Concurrent

Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training of Trainers

Amanda Austin, Training and Professional Development Specialist
Supporting Families Together Association

The Abusive Head Trauma Prevention - Training of Trainers is for those individuals who have previously completed an Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training and are interested in training others. After completing the Abusive Head Trauma Prevention - Training of Trainers, your name and contact information will be submitted to the Department of Children and Families as an approved trainer. As an approved trainer, you must agree to use the Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training Materials developed by the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. You must also agree to follow the Procedures for the Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Trainers, including issuing Certificates of Completion and maintaining records of those who complete the training.

Concurrent
 

Generative AI and its Application in the Classroom

Kathy Brock
Associate Professor, School of Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Debbie Stanislawski 
Professor, School of Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Today we can’t imagine a world where students and teachers do not have access to the internet for seeking out and sharing information. We are very quickly moving toward an existence where the same will be true of the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). With the recent public accessibility of Generative AI, we are facing the early stages of another major technological revolution impacting education which is progressing very quickly. This session will present an overview of common AI applications, including education specific applications. Focusing on information obtained from current educators, participants will learn about what AI educators are using, and for what purposes, as well as the benefits and challenges of incorporating generative AI into the classroom. 

Concurrent

Bureau of Early Care Regulation and Wisconsin Registry: 5 Facts You Should Know

Danielle Earley
Director of Operations
The Registry

Amanda St. Martin, MSW
Child Care Licensing Program Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

This session will discuss five facts about the Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR) and the Wisconsin Registry. The presentation will review the Registry application process, where to find useful resources and the importance of communications from BECR and the Wisconsin Registry. We will share Department of Children and Families licensing updates for group and family child care centers. Those attending the session will get an in-depth look at the Registry membership application process and best practices when applying for membership. The presentation includes information on the Wisconsin Registry’s role with the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Public Instruction. Information will be provided on current grant opportunities as well.

Concurrent
 

Tour of the UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center Education Lab

Allison Feller, Director
UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Tour the Infant/Toddler and Child and Family Study Centers (Preschool) education labs at UW-Stout. The Child and Family Study Center is a university education laboratory school committed to creating a link between educational theory and hands-on practice. Students from undergraduate and graduate courses across campus can observe, participate, develop research, and execute lessons under the guidance of experienced and highly qualified educators. The Child and Family Study Center (CFSC) focuses on the "whole child" representing all areas of development: intellectual, physical, social, and emotional. 

 Concurrent

Children Know Best: Child-Centered Play and Healing Trauma

Andy Felton
Associate Professor, Counseling, Rehabilitation & Human Services Department
University of Wisconsin-Stout

In this presentation, attendees will have the chance to actively participate in understanding common struggles associated with trauma and the value of child-led play to promote the healing and development of children. Attendees should come ready for learning, interaction, and exposure to basic skills to foster child-led play.

Concurrent 

How to Co-Parent Better

Luisa Gerasimo
Human Development and Relationships Educator
Extension Dunn County
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Top tips from a family educator who facilitates Dunn County court-ordered parenting classes for parents splitting up but sharing custody of their children. Learn how to encourage parents to focus on their children, their new co-parent relationship, and their health and well-being. 

Concurrent
 

Living Wall

Sarah Halverson
Family and Consumer Sciences Education Teacher
Black River Falls High School

Have you ever thought of a living wall in your school? What is a living wall? Come and find out what this all entails and how we can incorporate this into many curriculum areas.

Concurrent

Jump Start your Student into College!

Joel Helms
Associate Director, Educational Pathways and Outreach
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Dual credit or concurrent enrollment programs are programs that allow high school students to take college courses in high school. Known by various names such as dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, dual credit, and early college, are popular, prevalent, and growing. The field has seen tremendous growth over the past decade as more colleges and school districts prioritize access to impactful high school to college bridging initiatives. This session will provide an overview of dual credit along with the Stout Dual Credit Program including how to schools can participate, how to get a course approved, and teacher qualifications.

Concurrent

Global Foods Students Run Course

Sarah James
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher
Dodgeville School District

In this breakout session, I will discuss my approach letting my students choose the topics we cover in my Global Foods course. In this course, students have the freedom to pick about 90% of the content, including the countries to study and the corresponding practical sessions. They are responsible for selecting a country, conducting thorough research, and developing enrichment activities or projects related to their chosen country. Additionally, they get to choose 1-2 recipes for a cooking session that aligns with their country. This class is project-based and does not involve traditional tests or exams. The remaining 10% of the class focuses on demonstrations and activities to encourage students to think critically about the world around them.

Concurrent
 

Advocating and  Crafting Effective Elevator Speeches for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)

Char Kelley
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher
Eau Claire North High School

This presentation will guide participants through the process of developing impactful elevator speeches tailored to Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS). In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential for professionals to identify opportunities and quickly and clearly communicate the value of FCS to diverse audiences. Whether you're engaging with policymakers, potential employers, or community members, a well-crafted elevator speech can be a powerful tool.

Concurrent

Design Work with Teamwork

Brett Lesniak
Family and Consumer Sciences Instructor
Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH)

This presentation will focus on how incorporating teamwork in the Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Textile Design classrooms can benefit students in unlimited ways. By fostering teamwork, we can help increase students' critical thinking skills, enhance their creativity, boost their confidence, and develop their social skills. Increasing teamwork in the Visual Arts and Design career pathway aims to provide our students with a well-rounded learning experience. Gain valuable insights on how we all can further support our students' growth and development. Let's get those students out from behind their devices and working face-to-face! 

Concurrent
 

Growing a Healthier You

Margaret Murphy
Horticulture Educator
UW-Madison Division of Extension
Serving Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire Counties

Research shows that humans benefit from being around plants leading to many positive mental, physical, and social impacts. Gardening is a great way to incorporate many of these benefits into your life. Margaret will explore what the studies are saying and how we can incorporate more plants in our lives to grow a healthier you!

Concurrent  

 

Growth Opportunities for Teachers

Dawn Oler
Family and Consumer Sciences Education Teacher
Hinsdale Central High School, Illinois

When I graduated from Stout in 2003, I was excited to enter the classroom, but I had no idea of the opportunities to grow beyond that space. Since then, my career has had peaks and valleys and during those valleys, I sought out opportunities to grow and contribute in different ways. During this session, I will share some of the experiences I had around the globe and maybe inspire you to expand your reach beyond the classroom.

Concurrent

Igniting Hospitality and Culinary Careers: Empowering Students Through ProStart

Alex Vernon
Prostart Manager
Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Discover how the ProStart program is revolutionizing hospitality and culinary education in high schools. This engaging session will explore the curriculum, industry partnerships, and hands-on experiences that are preparing the next generation of foodservice professionals. Join us to gain valuable insights on how ProStart is bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry needs, and leave with practical tools to ignite passion and empower your students for successful careers in hospitality and culinary arts.

Concurrent

Acceptance and Commitment Strategies to Use Inside and Outside the Classroom

Lindsay Woodbridge
Assistant Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Kallie Weecks
Graduate Student, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an approach to mental health and wellness that emphasizes psychological flexibility. Through ACT, individuals learn new ways to accept the things happening in their lives that are outside of their control while committing to living in ways that align with their values. Research has shown ACT to be effective for many, including teachers looking to improve their well-being. Presenters will share the basics of ACT and lead attendees through several exercises that support mindfulness, acceptance, commitment, and behavior change. These strategies are easy to incorporate into teachers' busy lives, and many can easily be taught to students and others.

Concurrent

Professional Learning Modules on Behavioral Supports

Grant Allen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Classroom management is key to supporting positive, active, and safe learning environments. We will review a suite of recently published professional learning modules with a focus on behavioral support. Participants will learn about strategies for supporting the behavioral success of all students and interventions for some students who require additional support. 

Roundtable

Career-Based Learning Experiences in Family and Consumer Sciences

Katie Feuerheim, Ed.D.
CESA 11 Educational Consultant, 
College & Career Readiness and Youth Apprenticeship Regional Coordinator

Career-Based Learning Experiences (CBLEs) in Family and Consumer Sciences are practical learning opportunities that connect classroom concepts to real-world skills within the fields of human services, nutrition, hospitality, education, family management, and more. These experiences help students explore potential careers while developing critical life skills. The goal of CBLEs is to bridge the gap between education and employment, giving students hands-on experience that is valuable for their future endeavors. This session will outline a variety of ways to incorporate CBLEs into your classroom to help students in FCS programs develop technical skills, soft skills like communication and teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths available within the field.

HANDOUTS

Roundtable

Building Connections in ECE Through Meaningful Projects 

Ashley King
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher
Augusta School District

Teaching ECE courses for Transcripted credit, and completing the ACCT and IT coursework doesn't need to be boring for your students. Come hear about how we have partnered with our 4K to create meaningful experiences for both the 4K and high school students. 

Roundtable

Last Look at Heritage Hall!

Diane Klemme
Professor and Program Director
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Heritage Hall as you know will be renovated beginning Summer of 2025. Come and take one last look at this building plus view images of the future building.

Roundtable

Make and Take Market Bag

Diane Klemme
Professor and Program Director
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Do you need a break from all the conference information? Join me and make a no-sew market bag out of a T-shirt. Great recycling activity for students!

Roundtable

Developing sugar-free vegan ice cream as an alternative of dairy ice cream

Pranabendu Mitra
Associate Professor, KHFNS Department
University of Wisconsin-Stout

There is a growing demand for lactose-free vegan products due to increased awareness of lactose intolerance and vegan lifestyles. Around 36% of people in the USA are lactose intolerant, highlighting the need for dairy-free alternatives. Ice cream, a popular treat, is the focus of this study, which aims to create 
a healthier, sugar-free version using chickpea and sweet pea milk. Three formulations (1:0, 4:1, and 0:1 ratios) were combined with monk fruit sweetener, coconut oil, and other ingredients to make vegan ice cream mixes. These were pasteurized, refrigerated, and tested for physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties. The 1:0 and 4:1 chickpea-to-sweet pea formulations performed best, with the 4:1 ratio being the most favored. This study offers insights 
for developing healthier ice cream options for lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers.

Roundtable

Students Experiencing Homelessness Module

Katie Roberts, Ed.D.
Education Director
Wisconsin Technical College System

Join our round table discussion to learn about the new Students Experiencing Homelessness module. Use of the module is appropriate for anyone working with people, but especially for those working with our young people. Developed collaboratively DPI, Collaborating Partners, and Wisconsin Technical College System.

Roundtable