ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science Teacher in Chicago, IL
Spencer Technology Academy
2024-25 Fellow: Brittani Dixon has been teaching for 16 years! She first became interested in the Pilot Light Fellowship after participating in the Snacktime Explorers program where she was first introduced to the Food Education Standards. She wants to continue her work with helping her community learn, advocate, and have a good relationship with food. During her time as a fellow she hopes to use food education to establish relationships, share cultural experiences, and build community. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Chicago. For the last 16 years she’s taught primary at Spencer Technology Academy. She also serves on the school’s ILT and as a mentor teacher.
Favorite Food Education Standard:
Food Standard 5: Food Impacts Health resonates with me the most. As a kid and young adult I didn’t fully grasp how much our food choices can help or harm our bodies. As an older adult and parent I am trying to teach my children how food can impact our health.
A Favorite Food Memory or Recipe:
I’ve always LOVED food! My favorite memories are watching my grandmother in the kitchen. They could take what seems to be nothing and feed a house full of people. They NEVER took shortcuts. I rarely saw canned food. Every sauce and vegetable was freshly prepared. (No shade to canned foods!) I just loved seeing and enjoying the foods they created!
What I’m Most Excited About as a New Fellow:
I’m excited to use this opportunity to bring families together and have have the chance to connect our homes, community, and school through food.
