Sierra Vista Junior High School home economics teacher Doris Fossen has been chosen by the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences as its Teacher of the Year for the State of California. The honor automatically places Fossen as a nominee for the National FCSE Teacher of the Year.

“It’s a really big honor and recognition that I am doing things well,” said Fossen, a teacher of 21 years who has been at Sierra Vista since 2004.

The award recognizes not only outstanding work in the classroom, but within the association as well.  Fossen currently serves as the vice president of the state AAFCS and the Los Angeles chapter, plus she works with Family and Consumer Science students at CSUN.  But it’s the joy of watching her junior high students find that “I got it” moment that means the most.

“We are so proud of all that Doris does and the difference she makes in the lives of students, our community and each of us at Sierra Vista,” said school principal Carolyn Hoffman.  “From her infectious laugh to her yummy treats to her genuine positive nature that spreads from one end of the campus to another, we are so fortunate to have her as a member of our Sierra Vista family.”

Fossen will receive her award April 1, 2016, at the state AAFCS conference in Burbank.

According to the American Associate of Family and Consumer Sciences website, for more than 100 years, the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), founded as the American Home Economics Association, has provided leadership and support to professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making informed decisions about their well being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life. They provide research-based knowledge about the topics of everyday life, including human development, personal and family finance, housing and interior design, food science, nutrition and wellness, textiles and apparel, and consumer issues.