PreK-8th Grade Music Teacher in Chicago, IL
Ashburn Community School
2025-26 Fellow: Mrs. Atkins: “I am a Pre-K -8th grade Music Teacher. I have been teaching 32 years. I love to partner with various organization because my goal is to give students a well rounded education. I learned of Pilot Light from a colleague. I saw how excited the students and my colleague were about preparing the meals and the entire process. So partnering with Pilot Light was a no brainer because Music and Food are great compliments to each other.”
Favorite Food Education Standard: FES #1: Food Connects Us to Each Other.
Food and music connect us all because they are both a universal language. Food and music cross every culture, background, and belief system. Music and food are intrinsic to who we are.
A Favorite Food Memory or Recipe:
My favorite food memory is when I was 6yrs and my mom and I shared a Big Mac. It was so special because we didn’t eat out a lot and our family would normally eat meals as a family at home. So it was special to share a meal with my mom alone.
What I’m Most Excited About as a New Fellow:
I am most excited to make recipes with students, as well as discuss with students their own food journey in their homes.
