Ila Johnson started teaching in 1961 and still is substitute teaching today. She also enjoys teaching parenting classes to stay involved in the community and teaching world. She was a great teacher in Grand Meadow High School and is one cool woman.

Q. What made you want to be a Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teacher?
A. When I was in Junior High, I was always impressed by what was going on in class. I thought that it looked like a lot of activity and a fun class. I knew that I could do the things that were taught.

Q. How did you prepare yourself to go to college to be a Family and Consumer Science teacher?
A. I took a lot of math and science classes in high school. My first year of college, I went to Luther because my parents encouraged me to go there. I found that they didn't have a lot of classes to offer a student who is interested in being a Family and Consumer Science teacher (Home Economics), so I transferred my second year to the U of M. I always kept on continuing education credits to keep current with the changes in the profession.

Q. What kind of classes did you have to take in college to be a Family and Consumer Science teachers?
A. I had very few class choices other than the required classes. The required classes where a lot of science, including chemistry and biology. Only one math class was required. I also had electrical and appliance repair classes. My favorite class in college was "Art in Everyday Life." I enjoyed going to people's houses and seeing art in everyday living.

Q. What can you tell today's youth to prepare them for college and their future careers?
A. Look at all your choices and investigate. There is a lot more choices now than when I went to school. Have fun in school, but experience everything you can and learn all you can and be involved in extracurricular activities. If anyone would ask me if they should be a Family and Consumer Science teacher, my advisor would be go for it.

Q. What did you enjoy most about your job?
A. The interaction with students and staff was one of the best parts of the job. There was always a lot of variety. Every year everything changes, like clothing styles, food and the definition of the "normal" family. Future Homemakers of America (FHA), Future Leaders of America (FLA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) was a huge plus. It was a good way to get recognition for the students, programs and community. The networking with other Family and Consumer Science teachers through Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and teacher workshops have provided me with life long friendships.

Q. How did you try to keep your class fun and exciting everyday?
A. I tried to change things all the time and stay current with the year. I also had the opportunity to teach math and science classes which gave me a unique perspective. I thought that planning Family and Consumer Science curriculum required more planning and creativity because of the continuing changes in the field.

Q. Do you think that there are a lot of job openings in this field of work today?
A. There are a lot more job openings for Family and Consumer Science teachers today. When I went to school, home economists were placed in a lot of different jobs. A lot of companies hired their own home economist.

Q. During your years of teaching, what changes did you see?
A. One of the most noticeable change was the gender of the students in the classes. Over the years she noticed many more boys in her classes. In her early years of teaching, the boys were not even allowed to take the class. The appliances were another change. The microwave was a great new invention. The flat range stoves and garbage disposals were also big advancements in appliance technology. The curriculum was constantly changing with the new societal issues, such as shaking baby syndrome.