Welcome to the Apparel Production and Fashion Merchandising program at Weaver Academy! My name is Amanda Bergsma and I currently teach Fashion Merchandising, Apparel I and Apparel II. I am an Appalachian State University graduate (Go Neers!) and am currently working on my master's degree at Liberty University. Outside of the classroom, I am running around outside with my two year old daughter and husband. We enjoy all things outdoors, especially hiking!

This is my sixth-year teaching, third year here at Weaver. Besides Fashion Merchandising and Apparel, I also have experience in teaching Child Development, Foods and Nutrition and Interior Design. Teaching Family and Consumer Sciences is most definitely my passion. I love teaching students life skills that will help them be successful in life and/or their careers. Being able to prepare students for a career in the apparel industry has been amazing. To see what students create and hear their ideas, it is inspiring.   

All students who enter into my room know that they are loved, respected, and capable. I challenge students to apply what is being taught in class and apply it to their individual interests and real life scenarios.

If you're interested in seeing what we do in our classroom, visit our Instagram page @ Weaver_Fashion_Fix

Curriculum at a glance:

Apparel I(10th-12th): In this course, students are introduced to the Apparel and Textile industry in the areas of design, textiles and apparel engineering. Emphasis is placed on students applying these design and engineering skills to create and produce apparel products. Art, literacy, mathematics, and science are reinforced. Students must take Apparel I and pass before being permitted to take Apparel II. 

Apparel II(10th-12th): Students in this course will gain a deeper understanding of design principles, engineering, fabrication and global needs of an ever-changing apparel and textile industry. The course provides a major focus on textile design, textile science, product construction, global manufacturing and the apparel/textile market while incorporating and scaffolding prerequisite concepts. Emphasis is placed on application of design and engineering skills used to create, produce, and prepare a product for market. Students will also gain the entrepreneurial skills necessary for successful marketing and distribution of an apparel product. 

Fashion Merchandising (9th-12th): This course is designed to simulate a comprehensive experience of the business of fashion. The experience should bring alive the economics, distribution, promotion, and retail of fashion. The topics of study include the fundamentals of fashion, fashion merchandising, forecasting of fashion, and essential strategies for promoting and selling fashion. Upon completion of the course, students should be ready for the retail of fashion at the entry-level of work or post-secondary education.