Potential Closure of Minnesota’s Only University-Based FCS Teacher Preparation Program

The MnACTE Board wants members to be aware of a recent development affecting Career and Technical Education teacher preparation in Minnesota.

We have learned that Minnesota State University, Mankato has eliminated the full-time Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education Program Director position as part of university budget reductions. According to information shared by the Minnesota Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (MAFCS), the faculty member may continue in a temporary adjunct role during the upcoming academic year, while the longer-term future of the teacher preparation program remains uncertain.

It is never a good thing when a teacher preparation program closes. Minnesota State University, Mankato is currently the state’s only university-based FCS teacher preparation program. As a result, this development has prompted concern among FCS educators regarding the future educator pipeline for the license.

MAFCS has been communicating with its members regarding this situation.

Those seeking additional information about the university’s decision may contact:

Sincerely,

Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education (MnACTE)