Riddell's (2020) article, "The Power of Rhetoric," inspired this position paper. She used the neologism "rhetorical literacy" describing it as "one of the most powerful tools [we] can wield" to navigate today's complexity. This article discusses why family and consumer sciences (FCS) practitioners (a.k.a., home…

Reputable scholars are developing typologies of ignorance for different reasons including philosophizing about ignorance as well as understanding ignorance within professions, the scientific endeavour, and women's health (discussed herein). These four agnotological typologies (i.e., the study of ignorance) proved useful for revealing and…

Family and consumer sciences (FCS) educators were surveyed in the state of Oklahoma to gather information regarding their satisfaction with the classroom interior environment to reveal whether classroom satisfaction is related to the educators' productivity levels. Past research suggests that teachers who are satisfied with their working…

Imagine yourself standing on a beach with the sand being pulled out from under your feet with each retreating wave. You must struggle to regain your footing each time. Now imagine standing on a cement pad on the same beach. Each time the waves come in, you can feel the force of their movement and their power, but your footing is not compromised.…

Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods, yet many find these alternatives too costly and less effective. The fashion industry struggles to balance sustainability and performance, particularly in textiles, where synthetic fibers dominate. Education is key to informed consumer choices, and biomaterials, like…

Family and consumer sciences (FCS) continues to experience a teacher shortage. Previous research indicated that over half of all states struggle to hire qualified FCS teachers. For schools with FCS teachers, retention remains a challenge. Administrators and college-preparatory programs can address teacher retention by providing resources and…

Household food waste (HFW) presents a global sustainability challenge, significantly impacting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Particularly, HFW hampers the progress of SDG 2 (zero hunger) and SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production). With an estimated global annual food waste of 931 million tons, consumers are…

Families and community members are challenging secondary schools to improve career readiness preparation. Family and consumer sciences (FCS) educators can be instrumental in helping students prepare effectively for a career with school-to-work transitions through work-based learning (WBL). This article presents the implementation of a 2-day FCS…

Family and consumer sciences (FCS) educators are often tasked with teaching financial literacy to high school students. Many states have adopted financial literacy as a high school graduation course requirement. However, the need for financial literacy does not end in high school. Many parents could benefit from additional financial literacy…

This article presents a study that explored the implementation of a "Say Yes to FCS" Teaching Camp, a local community initiative in Texas, to address the critical shortage of family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers in secondary schools. Aimed at incoming 9th- and 10th-grade students, the 4-day camp offered hands-on learning…

During the spring of 2020, K-12 schools were turned upside-down. The COVID-19 pandemic essentially forced all schools across the nation to close their doors and move their learning environments online. The switch to remote learning put a great deal of stress and responsibility on teachers at all levels. The content taught by family and consumer…

What distinguishes family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers from other teachers in a K-12 setting is the population they teach and the subject matter taught (Poirier et al., 2017). FCS teachers teach students social, emotional, and cognitive skills including cooking, sewing, finance, life/relational skills, and child development. This variety…

This article provides a historical review of the FCS profession beginning with the Progressive Era and founder Ellen Swallows Richards. The review includes a summary of significant historical events and legislation, that reveal how the FCS profession addressed the needs of individuals, families, and communities from inception to the present. From…

One of the goals for family and consumer sciences (FCS) educators who work with secondary and post-secondary students is to equip them with the skills needed for future careers. Regardless of the work environment, effective leaders who have an accurate understanding of their emotions and social skills are able to use them to obtain positive…

The value of mentorship for family and consumer sciences (FCS) professionals is emphasized by inclusion in five leadership development programs offered by FCS professional organizations. The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Leadership Academy, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Leadership Institute, Council of…