As a Family Consumer Sciences (FCS) teacher and Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) advisor at Anthony Wayne High School, Amanda Valdez plays an important role in preparing students for life after graduation. With her own winding journey to becoming a teacher, Amanda is uniquely suited to helping students understand that sometimes it takes a few life experiences and an attitude of adaptability to find what you are truly meant to do..
A Nontraditional Path to Teaching
Amanda didn’t always know she wanted to teach. As a child, she enjoyed playing school, and she knew she wanted to work with people, but determining the right field would take some time.
She attended Penta Career Center in the Interactive Media program, where she explored website design, photography and art. Afterward, she worked at COSI (now Imagination Station) with an at-risk youth program for girls interested in STEM. Her career exploration led her to Bible college in Australia, where she studied for two years before shifting gears once again—this time to the Toledo Zoo’s education department while attending Bowling Green State University (BGSU).
Her decision to pursue Family Consumer Sciences came unexpectedly. While studying Family Development, she took an introduction to education course filled with aspiring teachers. She instantly felt a sense of belonging. She soon was led to the newly-established Family Consumer Sciences program at BGSU and knew it was the perfect fit. She was among the first graduates of the program and hasn’t looked back since.
Building a Thriving Program
Fast forward seven years, and under Amanda’s leadership getting a spot to enroll in one of her FCS courses has become competitive.
“Students tell me they had to push to get into the program because it’s so popular,” she shared. “My courses are electives, but they see value in taking them because they focus on real-world skills they need.”
She teaches Child Development, Culinary Fundamentals and a new Adulting 101 course. Each is a satellite Career Technical Education program of Penta Career Center.
The curriculum is dynamic, combining state standards with real-life lessons driven by student interest. Topics can range from the basics of the cognitive development of children to learning how to make an appointment over the phone, to practicing formal dining etiquette - all designed to provide practical life skills.
“These are classes that can be challenging, enjoyable and make a difference to their life,” she explained. “It’s important to point out that this is not the old Home Economics classes. While students do learn some of those same topics, we also work on leadership skills, communication and presentation skills, critical thinking and self advocacy.”
Amanda said she views the lessons learned in her classes as a launchpad for students as they prepare to become adults, live independently and step into their careers.
“Of course they have to learn science, math and history, but they also need FCS classes,” she said. “It’s not just about life skills, and it’s not just a career option, it’s about developing their lifestyle.”
FCCLA: A Platform for Growth
Participation in the FCCLA chapter is an extension of the lessons taught in the classroom, and is also growing in popularity in recent years. The students consistently receive high marks for their competition projects, and several have served as officers at the state and national level.
Amanda said the students’ success is the result of their commitment to the organization.
“They put forth the effort and do the hard work – and then they recruit friends because they enjoy it so much,” she said. “As advisors, we also put in time and stay after school and do the extra tasks, but it’s worth the effort because we love the students and want them to do well.”
Through FCCLA, students build confidence, develop leadership skills and gain experiences that set them apart in their careers.
“In the classroom, I can tell an FCCLA or DECA student right away. They are more outspoken, are the first to volunteer and always want to reach out to others and include them” she said. “This attitude translates well into their career life - being able to participate in or lead a business meeting, share their ideas and work with others.”
She also said that the program continues to grow thanks to her students’ recruitment efforts.
“There is a great connection between the junior high chapter and the high school chapter,” Amanda said. “They intentionally interact with the younger students and it helps to bridge the gap for them as they enter high school. It really helps to keep the program going.”
Preparing Students for Launch
Amanda said that it is rewarding to be a part of her students’ lives as they prepare to leave the safety of home and school to become independent adults. She takes pride in being able to support them by teaching skills they will need no matter their pathway.
“My favorite part of working with the students is watching them transform over the year. They will come into class and give their first presentation and are nervous and fidgeting,” she said. “As we progress through the year, you see them standing taller, shoulders back, making eye contact...it’s great to be able to give them the space where they can blossom.”
As her students look forward to graduation, Amanda offers a simple but powerful message: “Don’t sit on the sidelines. Be true to yourself, put yourself out there, embrace adventure and take advantage of opportunities as they come to you.”
Her passion for empowering students with life skills and confidence makes her an invaluable part of the Anthony Wayne community. Whether in the classroom or through FCCLA, Amanda is shaping the next generation of capable, confident young adults.