FCS TIP™ – A new mentoring program for Family and Consumer Science teachers.
For new Tier 3 FCS teachers or those who have completed CTE TIP
The Family and Consumer Science Teacher Induction Program (FCS TIP) is a new statewide FCS teacher mentoring program, combining in-person support with curriculum and professional development to support early-career teachers during their first years in the profession. The program is based upon our CTE TIP mentoring program, and AFNR TIP. With more than 20 years of experience, FCS TIP is a researched-based, proven approach to new teacher mentoring.
FCS TIP
The Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Teacher Induction Program (TIP) is for all newly licensed Tier 3 FCS teachers, regardless of which teacher preparation program they completed, as well as FCS teachers who have completed CTE TIP (Tier 2 or Tier 3). We recommend new Tier 1 or Tier 2 teachers, or those teaching Career and Technical Education (CTE) on an Out-of-Field Permission (OFP), join CTE TIP prior to FCS TIP.
The purpose of FCS TIP is to function as a professional learning community for early career FCS teachers and support their development, efficacy, success, resilience, and retention. Participation provides just-in-time monthly professional development, mentorship, and a cohort of support. Participants are coached by an experienced senior mentor and are partnered with current teachers in the Minnesota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (MAFCS) who serve as regional mentors.
Lakes Country Service Cooperative and the Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education (MnACTE) administer FCS TIP, with major support from the Minnesota Service Cooperatives’ (MSC) CTE Consortium Grant and the Minnesota Department of Education’s (MDE) Statewide Teacher Mentoring Program Grant.
About the Program
The objectives of FCS TIP are to:
- provide monthly professional development,
- provide teaching, program, and curricular resources,
- provide mentoring and coaching,
- facilitate programing to address early career teacher challenges,
- provide FCS focused pedagogical resources and support,
- provide an opportunity to analyze and reflect up on teaching, and
- build teacher efficacy, resilience and influence job satisfaction and teacher retention.
FCS TIP uses a comprehensive approach to assist new teachers during their early years. Effective teachers understand the commitment to be a life-long learner and one of FCS TIP’s goals is to help new teachers begin this process. Following are activities intended to meet the purpose and objectives of FCS TIP:
Face-to-Face Conferences
FCS TIP provides support to early career teachers through networking and coaching from regional mentors, statewide content experts, and their peers to share resources, curricula, and best practices relevant to their CTE area. This approach provides new teachers with an opportunity to meet with other participants, network with teachers, and become more connected to the CTE profession.
Mentorship and Support
A cornerstone of FCS TIP is the establishment of supportive relationships between mentors/coaches and early career teachers. Mentors are selected based upon their successful teaching experience, reputation as an effective mentor, and their ability to foster supportive relationships with other teachers. Each mentor provides assistance and support for approximately five teachers in their CTE area.
Collaborative Inquiry Groups
FCS TIP participants form inquiry groups around topics of the group’s choosing to dig into content that will improve their classroom and program. Teachers work together to identify common challenges, analyze potential solutions, test out approaches, and share the resources they develop.
Virtual Meetings
Monthly virtual meetings are held throughout the year. Delivery of professional development by Zoom conserves valuable travel resources and is a convenient and efficient approach for new teachers to meet.
Welcome Orientation
In-person Seminars
Monthly
Virtual
Meetings
Second Wednesday of each Month
FCS TIP Teacher Curriculum & Resource Drive
Each year teachers in FCS TIP share curriculum, resources, tools, and lesson plans they create to help those who come after them. FCS TIP resources are free.
Support
FCS TIP is made possible through major support from the Minnesota Service Cooperatives’ (MSC) CTE Consortium Grant and the Minnesota Department of Education’s (MDE) Statewide Teacher Mentoring Program Grant.
FCS TIP is a trademark of the Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education (MnACTE).