3rd Grade Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Art Teacher in Bronx, NY
PS072 Dr William Dorney
2024-25 Fellow Amanda Torres has been teaching elementary school children for 26 years. She became interested in the Pilot Light Fellowship after completing the NYC Classroom to Cafeteria Lead Teacher program. She feels that her work around food education must continue impacting the lives of her incoming third graders and the community she serves as a teacher. Amanda is excited to belong to a community of fellow educators that believe in food justice for all. These educators understand the impact of teaching kids at an early age the standards around food education. Her favorite quote from Pilot Light is: “Food is our universal language.”
Amanda is looking forward to a community partnership that supports her work. She has served as a lead teacher at her school for over four years, mentoring and supporting fellow teachers, strengthening their craft, and lifting their spirits when things don’t proceed as planned. Amanda has worked her entire career for the NY City Board of Education. She has taught inclusion third grade for over 15 years and served as the liaison for math education between her school and the school district. Amanda currently support the families by providing workshops. Additionally, she maintains a community garden in front of her school.
Favorite Food Education Standard:
I cannot pick a favorite standard because I believe they all intertwine to form a common philosophy. However, if I had to choose one that resonates most with me, it would be standard number 1: “Food connects us to each other.” As humans, it is in our biology to belong and connect with one another. On that note, one of my favorite quotes is, “Food is our universal language.” Food is not only nutrition for our bodies but also for our souls. When we gather to eat, we create bonds that make us feel protected, loved, and well cared for. Food is the common denominator in family traditions and gatherings.
A Favorite Food Memory or Recipe:
My favorite memory from the past year was teaching students about food choices and empowering them to use their voice and responsibility to persuade others to eat healthily. We were covering standard #6: “We can have positive and informed food choices.” The students researched healthy snack options, and my co-teacher and I made a list of the snacks they wanted to try. We purchased all the different snacks and set up a table. I even cooked my grandma’s rice pudding recipe, which was my comfort snack when I was a child. We had a guest visiting our classroom that day. It was such an impressive experience to see the kids tasting different foods for the first time. It was especially memorable to watch them initially dislike a choice, come back to give it another try, and then change their minds.
What I’m Most Excited About as a New Fellow:
I am most excited to create and belong to a network of people that are passionate about food and educating our youth!
