AAFCS National Teacher of the Year

Baillie Named AAFCS National Teacher of the Year for Innovative Healthy Living Program

(Alexandria, Va. – May 3, 2011)—On National Teacher Day, May 3, Sharon Baillie, CFCS, of Burgettstown High School in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, was officially named the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) 2011 National Teacher of the Year. A representative from Goodheart-Willcox Publisher will recognize Baillie as the National Teacher of the Year at the AAFCS 102nd Annual Conference & Expo in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 23. Baillie will receive a plaque, $2,500, and $1,000 towards one year of membership and participation in the Annual Conference & Expo.

The AAFCS National Teacher of the Year award honors exemplary teachers who utilize cutting-edge methods, techniques, and activities to provide the stimulus for and give visibility to family and consumer sciences (FCS) elementary and secondary education. Each AAFCS affiliate selects its Teacher of the Year and the winning affiliate entries are submitted to AAFCS for the national competition. From the Affiliate Teachers of the Year, up to three merit finalists and one National Teacher of the Year are selected.

The National Teacher of the Year nominations are evaluated based upon the following criteria: integration of FCS with the core academics and educational standards; exemplary level of professional commitment to FCS; goals and outcomes of the program; sustainability of the program; creativity, innovation, and progressive techniques in the program; ability to sustain funding and overcome obstacles or challenges; positive influence on the lives of students; relevancy and timely impact on the students, school, and community; and increasing the visibility, recognition, and support of the FCS profession within the community.

"I am truly honored to be recognized as the AAFCS National Teacher of the Year," said Baillie. "This has been a team effort with my students, administration, colleagues, parents, and community. The idea for the Healthy Living program came from the students when we were undergoing renovations and curriculum updates five years ago. The program has grown each year as more activities are included."

Since 2007, Baillie has been bringing nutrition knowledge and skills to K-12 students through her leading-edge Healthy Living program.

Her program is consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA Food Guide Pyramid and meets the 28 Pennsylvania Department of Education standards for food science and nutrition for K-12. All of the Foods and Nutrition middle and high school classes are at maximum enrollment, including the two additional sections for Foods that were added for the 2010-11 school year to meet increased demand.