K-4th Grade English Language Arts and Math Teacher in Chicago, IL
“What I appreciate most about Pilot Light is the support given to teachers. It’s not simply monthly PD;s where we have to do a bunch of stuff, or we’re being lectured. No: we create and share, and guest speakers provide additional information, which makes you feel like you’re a valued part of a team.”
-Deborah Riddle
Robert W. Fulton Elementary School
Deborah Riddle has been teaching and tutoring in her own community for over 10 years now. As a product of the Englewood community, she has always had a heart for its residents. She began her teaching career at a school that she attended as a child. Her goal is to merge real-life experiences into the classroom. Deborah believes that the Pilot Light program is another way to bridge students’ real-life experiences, literacy, and culture. Deborah believes the best teachers also know how to follow, and her mantra states that she realizes that she is making memories for students. Some of these students will never forget some things that she’s said, so she leads with that.
A favorite Food Education memory:
I changed schools and grade band during my fellowship – I went from primary to middle school. In my middle school classroom, I brought sales papers from Jewel Foods, Aldi’s and Pete’s Produce. Students were put into groups and given $50 (manipulative money), and given the scenario that the rest of our classroom will be coming to visit and they must feed us a healthy meal without going over the allotted amount given. This lesson went over so well, my administration came in and took pictures, putting our lesson in the school newsletter.
Favorite Food Education Standard:
#2. Foods have sources and origins. I love starting the school year off starting a plant – lettuce, cucumber or sunflower. Sure, students have eaten salads and sunflower seeds, but when they see how these foods begin, it helps them better conceptualize the cycle o0f food. This also begins their curiosity of food origins. When that happens, they become better food advocates for themselves, their families, and even eventually, their community.
How Pilot Light changed my teaching:
As a Primary teacher, I conduct regular read-alouds. Since Pilot Light, I have added books about food into my regular read-aloud rotation. Currently, I am teaching summer school, and the school I’m at have a lot of food education books in their library. I plan to have read aloud to them, and discuss their favorite foods.