Goals

To promote and advance the teaching of Home Economics throughout British Columbia.

Objectives

1. Closely monitor and respond to educational change as it affects home economics education.
1.1 Through the BCTF, influence the Ministry of Education policies and practices as related to home economics.
1.2 Continue to respond through PSA Council to the review of teacher education.
1.3 Support the development of practical curriculum support materials.
1.4 Review and respond to the Home Economics IRP documents.

2. Provide leadership in professional development.
2.1 Increase involvement with the development and implementation of new curriculum and teaching materials.
2.2 Encourage dialogue and the development and sharing of resource materials in support of new curriculum.
2.3 Keep THESA members informed of the issues related to the development and implementation of new curriculum as issues arise.
2.4 Encourage the Ministry to support teachers in the development of the new resources.
2.5 As curriculum resources become available, share them with members by all available means.
2.6 Continue to be involved in the evaluation of new teaching techniques, concepts and resources.
2.7 Solicit member's contributions to the newsletter, and encourage contributions to other professional publications.
2.8 Support and encourage the development of materials for students with diverse needs in home economics.

3. Work towards improving the working and learning conditions in home economics classrooms in BC.
3.1 Encourage communication among members for improving working and learning conditions.
3.2 Encourage individual members to be active on their local bargaining committees.
3.3 Make recommendations to the PSA Council bargaining representatives for inclusion in provincial bargaining strategies.

4. Foster within our profession greater understanding of the value of home economics.
4.1 Encourage professional dialogue through chapter meetings, networking, and professional activities.
4.2 Pursue representation on committees, etc., of other curricular areas related to home economics, for example, Healthy Schools Network, Planning 10, Health and Career Education 8-9, Science, P.E..

5. Continue to increase public awareness of the value of home economics.
5.1 Publicize our professional development.
5.2 Increase media coverage of home economics activities.
5.3 Encourage communications between home economics teachers, other educators, the home, and the community.

6. Maintain the communication network between the executive of THESA and its membership.
6.1 Hold a conference once a year when possible in conjunction with the annual general meeting.
6.2 Plan and hold professional development workshops in accordance with the needs and interests of members.
6.3 Publish a minimum of four newsletters a year where possible.
6.4 Encourage feedback from THESA members throughout the province on issues related to home economics.

7. Continue to promote professional standards of qualifications and training as well as involvement in other professional organizations.
7.1 Through the newsletter, website and list serve publicize courses, workshops and conferences that may be of interest to members.
7.2 Maintain communication with related universities and university colleges.
7.3 Support the promotion of undergraduate/graduate programs in home economics education.
7.4 Provide scholarships to students enrolled in a university program that benefits home economics education.
7.5 Support and encourage teachers, through the BCTF and their local associations, to establish and maintain professional standards of home economics education.

8. Act as liaison between the BCTF and our membership.
8.1 Respond to BCTF committees and functions as required.
8.2 Inform THESA members regarding BCTF policies and procedures as related to THESA activities.

Activities

The objectives above will be accomplished through:

• Production of publications (newsletters, website, list serve, resource booklets, lesson plans).
• Meetings with BCTF PSA Council, THESA AGM, LSAs.
• Chapter contacts, related post-secondary institutions.
• Offering conferences in different locations around the province each year.
• Communication with members through email list serve, web page, LSA chapter contacts, newsletter.
• Executive meetings as needed.
• Awarding of Pin of Recognition, Scholarships and chapter rebates when financially possible.

Evaluation

To determine the extent, to which the objectives and activities have been met, the THESA Executive will review and discuss them at the spring meeting.

The Executive will look in particular at the following activities:

1. The number and content of newsletters.
2. Monitoring of the use of the list serve.
3. THESA members sitting on current curriculum committees.
4. Lobbying activities undertaken by THESA members and the executive.

Last update: October 2011 AGM