Consumer science teacher skills for your resume and career

The most important soft skills or critical workplace skills for a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher include collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication, organization, and classroom management.

Some of the hard/technical skills needed to succeed as a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher include fixing and properly maintaining sewing machines and sergers. In addition, maintain proper upkeep of the culinary/ foods area. This might include being able to troubleshoot, and problem solves short-term fixes for kitchen appliances. Also, FCS teachers need to have computer skills, typing capabilities, and an understanding of integrating technology into the classroom utilizing apps, add-ons, and web 2.0 tools.

Employers expect young FCS professionals to be proficient with technology, leadership, and communication. For example:

-Technology skills including Microsoft Office software programs, professional emails (attachments, forward with attachments), protecting against spyware/viruses/malware, text, access professional databases, using a PC or MAC, creating and maintaining a professional LinkedIn page, and establishing privacy settings on all social media accounts.

-Leadership skills include dealing with conflicts and disagreements quickly and kindly, asking open-ended questions to draw out information, active listening, recognizing the contributions and ideas of others-giving credit, achieving goals and objectives within budget and on time, keeping your word, developing and implement action plans, establish goals, make decisions under pressure and/or with limited information, update your skills and knowledge regularly-be a life-long learner.

-Communication skills, including speaking, body language, reading, writing, and listening, are important. Often young professionals feel they know everything, and they do know a lot, but need to realize they still have much to learn. It is important to keep their audience and the purpose of their communication in mind.

Have a focused purpose and path for advancement. Always be ready to share your "why" regarding your vision for that next logical step in your career. The ability to exhibit appropriate and consistent professional conduct and represent the FCS profession effectively should be how you are known. So, when you advance in your career, it is not a surprise, and no one questions the decision. More importantly, it is the right fit for you, and you will have no internal struggle with the decision.