4th Grade All Content Teacher in Syracuse, NY
STEAM at Dr. King Elementary School
2024-25 Fellow: Jade Farrell is a dedicated educator with four years of experience teaching in the Syracuse City School District, currently teaching 4th grade. Her focus is on fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment that meets the diverse needs of her students. Through innovative teaching methods and a passion for student growth, she strives to make a lasting impact on my students’ educational journey.
Favorite Food Education Standard:
Standard 7 (we can advocate for food choices and changes that impact ourselves, our communities, and our world) resonated with me the most. This standard resonates with me because it highlights the power of food in shaping our lives and communities. I believe that advocating for thoughtful food choices is essential not just for personal well-being, but for the collective health of our communities.
Our food choices have the potential to influence everything from local economies to environmental sustainability. By promoting healthier, more sustainable eating habits, we can make a meaningful impact that extends beyond ourselves. This belief in the power of food as a tool for positive change drives my passion for advocating for better food choices and practices. Whether it’s through education, community involvement, or personal action, I am committed to helping create a future where food choices are made with intention and care for the well-being of all.
A Favorite Food Memory or Recipe:
One of my favorite food memories is from a chilly winter afternoon spent with my grandmother in her cozy kitchen. Every year around the holidays, we’d bake her famous cinnamon rolls from scratch. She’d let me help with everything—from mixing the dough to kneading it until it was just right. The best part was when we’d roll out the dough together, spreading a generous layer of cinnamon and sugar before carefully rolling it up. While the rolls baked, filling the house with the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon, we’d sip hot cocoa and chat by the oven, waiting for them to turn golden brown. When they were ready, we’d drizzle them with a homemade icing and enjoy them fresh out of the oven, warm and gooey. That memory of baking with my grandmother, and the comfort and joy those cinnamon rolls brought, is something I’ll always cherish.
What I’m Most Excited About as a New Fellow:
I’m excited for the Pilot Light Food Education Fellowship because it offers a unique opportunity to integrate my passion for food education with my commitment to empowering students. This fellowship will allow me to deepen my understanding of how food choices impact our health, environment, and community, and equip me with the tools to inspire my students to make thoughtful, informed decisions. I’m eager to collaborate with like-minded educators and bring innovative food education practices into my classroom.
