When the editors invited family and consumer sciences teacher educators and administrators to nominate teachers and programs for inclusion on a CD featuring exemplary family and consumer sciences teachers, programs, and practices, they were aware that exemplary is an elusive term. Thus, they directed the nominators to consider teachers and programs recognized for excellence by state and national organizations within the last five years.

It is not surprising that the ten middle-level and high school family and consumer sciences teachers featured on this CD are teachers of the year recently named by state departments of education; national and state professional organizations; and national foundations. Examples of words used to describe these teachers include articulate, caring, dedicated, exceptional, innovative, professional, resourceful, and team oriented. Most of the teachers have master’s degrees, and their time in the classroom ranges from 10-32 years. They are active members and leaders in professional organizations, and are frequent professional development speakers. Several featured teachers contributed to the development of local, state and national standards for family and consumer sciences.

State and national standards are addressed in the featured middle-level and high school programs. Focusing on empowering individuals and families, the programs integrate basic academic and occupational skills, thinking processes, and technology. Program effectiveness is implied through quantitative measures such as enrollment growth and assessment results, and qualitative measures including student, teacher, and community member testimonials.

In a peer reviewed manuscript written for this eYearbook, Lori Myers challenges the profession to: (1) establish criteria for exemplary family and consumer sciences programs; (2) evaluate family and consumer sciences programs in relation to established criteria; and (3) communicate the evaluation results to stakeholders. She describes a process for evaluating programs, and contends this action is important for sustaining the profession. A Call to Action: Family and Consumer Sciences Program Evaluation.