The
Virginia
Association
for
Teachers
of
Family
and
Consumer
Sciences
(VATFACS)
has
selected
Karis
Hicks,
family
and
consumer
sciences
(FACS)
teacher
at
Gar-Field
High
School,
as
its
Outstanding
New
Teacher
of
the
Year
for
2021.
In
2018,
after
earning
a
bachelor's
degree
in
family
and
consumer
sciences
and
teacher
licensure
from
Liberty
University,
with
a
minor
in
family
and
child
development,
Hicks
joined
the
educational
team
at
Gar-Field
High.
She
also
serves
as
the
school's
lead
culturally
aware
and
responsive
educator,
in
which
she
provides
cultural
awareness
and
anti-racism
training
to
staff.Hicks shared that one of her favorite educational strategies to use is that of a "class family meal." "During our family module in individual development, we arrange the classroom tables in one big table style, make something simple like pancakes and eggs, then as a class we share a meal together. I feel that this has been successful in student learning because it presented a tangible experience of connection as a class 'family' to show how families can connect over a meal at home."
As the FACS nutrition, wellness, and individual development educator for grades 9-12 at Gar-Field, Hicks plans engaging and standards-focused lessons and activities that she offers in the five high school elective classes she instructs each year to approximately 150 students.
"Ms. Hicks is an outstanding educator who is well-deserving of this award," said Matthew Mathison, principal of Gar-Field. "She is an exemplar for building relationships with students and using her passion for family and consumer science to engage students. Ms. Hicks makes an impact beyond her classroom by inspiring all those she interacts with. Her energy and positivity promote a caring school climate and are felt throughout the Gar-Field High School community. Congratulations, Ms. Hicks! Your Gar-Field family is very proud of you!"