4th Grade ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Agriculture Teacher in Gasport, NY
Royalton-Hartland Elementary School
2025-26 Fellow: Shelly B. has been teaching for 14 years. She first became interested in the Pilot Light Fellowship when a fellow NY Ag in the Classroom teacher recommended the program and she is looking forward to connecting with local farms & chefs during her time as a Fellow. She is also the advisor “The Green Team,” an extracurricular club that helps maintain the Outdoor Learning Lab and plan future Farm to School activities. She is proud to work at the school she grew up at and her children now attend, giving back to the community she lives in. Additionally, Shelly helps students learn about fire safety each year by planning Fire Prevention Day with the local volunteer fire companies.
Favorite Food Education Standard: FES #6: We can make informed food choices.
The district in which I live and teach is ripe with agricultural opportunities for learning, eating, and working. I would like to see the students more connected to this agricultural community in which they live and learn. I want the lessons I teach in the classroom to have a clear link to the world my students live in. I want the children I teach to understand the importance of the food choices they make as consumers – locally sourced, healthy for their mind and body, and part of a balanced meal. I want kids to see the possibilities for careers – farming, processing, marketing, sales, technology, and more.
A Favorite Food Memory or Recipe:
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because we get to focus on the delicious food while spending time with our family. My grandmother’s cooking is the memorable star of all of my holiday memories but especially apple pie! Now my own children enjoy great-grandma’s cooking and say that the homemade rolls are the best part of our meal.
What I’m Most Excited About as a New Fellow:
The opportunity to locally source fruits, vegetables, and food products to expand the students understanding of food choices, health, and food advocacy. I hope to see students try new foods and encourage families to make informed choices because FOOD IS FUEL.
