2nd-4th Grade Reading and Math Testing and Intervention Teacher in Johnstown, NY
AgriQuest (Farm to School) Coordinator for the Greater Johnstown School District (PreK-12)
Warren Street Elementary School
2025-26 Fellow: Ellen Roehl is a certified Literacy Specialist and a Nationally Board Certified teacher. She has been teaching for 18 years in the Greater Johnstown School District in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and grades 2, 3, and 5. Currently, she is providing reading and math intervention to grades 2, 3, and 4 students. In addition to the classroom, Ellen is overseeing the AgriQuest (Farm to School) program and the coordinators in all 4 schools across the Greater Johnstown Schools District (Pre-K through 12). In addition, Ellen is the Mentor Coordinator overseeing all of the mentors and probationary teachers in Johnstown School District. Ellen was first made aware of Pilot Light through a Pilot Light Alumni who recently relocated back to Johnstown, NY. Because of Ellen’s active role in the AgriQuest program in the school district, Pilot Light was a perfect match for her personal and professional growth and goals. Ellen strives on reducing food waste and promoting the joy of food. Prior to teaching in Johnstown, Ellen worked in the restaurant industry and taught in the culinary division at the college level in Orlando, Florida.
Favorite Food Education Standard: FES #1 – Food connects us to each other.
Food connects us to each other is such a powerful statement, as I think of babies taking their first bites of food and children trying something new. I travel and love trying new foods or different ways that food is prepared or seasoned. Some cultures greet guests with food to welcome them into their home. When language is a barrier, food is a common way to communicate, nourish, and comfort. Food is a vital life force that creates community and inclusivity and should never be exclusive or wasted. Everyone is always welcome at my table.
A Favorite Food Memory or Recipe:
Ellen Roehl’s love of cooking came from her grandmother who had her sitting on the counter to help as early as her memory serves. Grandfather would take her blackberry picking (ouch) and then back to the kitchen to assist Grandmother making preserves or preparing berries to be frozen. My grandfather grew his prized strawberries that would grow to the size of my little hands and knew those berries were special, because they were never that big, red, or as flavorful as those from a store. As Ellen now has her own grandchildren, the joy of cooking is being passed down. Though they are still little (ages 2, 4, and 5 with another one on the way), they love helping Grandma in the kitchen. Their favorite task is to make their own bag of no-bake cookies. Crush 1 package of Graham crackers (any flavor) in a gallon Ziploc bag. Once it is crushed, add 1 ripe banana and ⅓ cup peanut (or any nut) butter. Squish until fully mixed. Sometimes they like to add in mini chips, mini M&M’s, craisins, etc. Then scoop, ROEHL (roll – LOL) and enjoy. These little cookies can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen.
What I’m Most Excited About as a New Fellow:
Ellen is most excited about being a Pilot Light fellow this year to reduce food waste, increase locally grown fresh foods to all students, and teach students to find joy in food through growing, preparing, and tasting nutrient dense foods
