Kendra Naef

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher,  Kimberly High School
Family and Consumer Science Education, '99
2007 AAFCS National Teacher of the Year

I am a family and consumer sciences teacher at Kimberly High School in Kimberly, Wisconsin. I graduated from UW-Stout in December 1999 and started at Kimberly High School in January 2000. Since 2000, I have taught family and consumer sciences (FCS) in many areas, including foods and nutrition, child development, youth leadership, individual and family relationships, and brain development. I have also facilitated independent study opportunities for students in child care, teaching, leadership and advocacy, and early childhood curriculum development. In addition to teaching, I also serve as the FCS content area facilitator for the Kimberly Area School District.

UW-Stout provided great opportunities to develop leadership skills through student and professional organizations, as well as outstanding educator preparation. The programs are rigorous and have numerous opportunities to put classroom learning into practice — through experiences in K-12 classrooms and with current practitioners. I believe that UW-Stout prepares undergraduates in both the "art" and the "science" of teaching - the two elements that make an effective educator. UW-Stout is known throughout the nation as providing a high quality FCS Education undergraduate program. I am grateful to have had my foundation from such a well known and respected institution.



In May 2007, Kendra was named American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) 2007 National Teacher of the Year (T.O.Y.). The AAFCS National T.O.Y. award recognizes outstanding educational programs, methods, techniques, and activities that give visibility to family and consumer sciences (FCS) elementary and secondary education and support “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB).