Ways to promote family and consumer sciences

What's New, Nov/Dec 1999 by Ley, Connie

DID YOU KNOW THAT your job does not just exist inside the classroom or in your office? Every Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Guidance educator needs to have their school community know about the value and worth of their programs and courses, As we all know, continuation of funding is at stake here. Even state-of-the-art programs need exposure to continue and thrive. What do you do to keep a high profile for your program?

A high profile results simply from continuous thought and efforts to let people know about the good work that you have facilitated with your students. Here are some strategies to help you make positive impact upon the key people who are assessing the validity and viability of your programs and your entire department.

*Publicize all achievements and special events;

* Expand involvement in your school and in the community especially service on important committees and advisory boards;

* Expand outreach programs;

* Produce a newsletter and other mini-publications;

* Collaborate with other subject area teachers;

* Revise curricula to reflect current community and societal concerns;

* Increase efforts for external support; and

* Find ways to increase student enrollment in your courses.

Take it one step at a time. It is important that you do some or all of these steps. When you believe in the richness and worth of what you are doing, then these involvements can flow easily. M

Connie Ley is a professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Illinois State University.