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Introducing Food Education in the Classroom Microcredential (Food-E)—a transformative six-week journey created by Teachers College, Columbia University in partnership with FoodCorps, designed to help you seamlessly integrate food education into the K-5 academic curriculum you're already teaching.
This course bridges two worlds: Teachers College’s world-class research and pedagogical excellence and FoodCorps’ deep expertise working directly in schools. Together, we recognize that food education is an academic discipline all its own, spanning themes including biology, ecology, environmental science, sociology, history, and more.
You will master the "what" of nutrition and the "how" of experiential instruction, creating a classroom environment where students don't just learn—they taste, grow, and discover all there is to love about food. Step into your role as a food educator to grow your teaching practice, encourage discovery, and champion your students’ well-being through food.
Food Education in the Classroom, or Food-E, helps you design a food education practice that works for you.
Food-E is a six-week online course, with self-paced learning modules and optional live engagement opportunities. Choose the session that works best for you.
$295
K-5 teachers and others ready to incorporate hands-on cooking, nutrition, and gardening lessons into their existing curriculum.
Educators who complete all assignments are eligible for 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Licensed educators in NY state who complete all assignments are also eligible for a Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE) certificate for a total of 30 CTLE hours.
Receive an official certificate of participation from Teachers College, Columbia University and a digital badge to showcase your expertise.
At the close of the course, you’ll have a ready-to-go plan for putting your learnings into action and gain lifetime membership in FoodCorps’ peer network of food education champions across the country.
Module 1
A Student’s View of the Food SystemExplore how our personal food histories intersect with systemic policy, specifically looking at the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to identify the roots of modern barriers to student nourishment.
Module 2
Food Literacy FrameworksTransition from traditional “nutrition facts” instruction to a holistic food literacy framework. Learn how to support students in developing a joyful, lifelong relationship with nourishing food.
Module 3
Skills for Promoting Food LiteracyGain practical skills in classroom management for food prep and how to weave nourishing food education into your existing ELA, math, and science standards.
Module 4
Classroom, Cafeteria & Home ConnectionsBridges the gap between where students learn about food and where they experience it. Explore how to partner with cafeteria staff, engage families, and build lasting community connections.
Module 5
Integrating Food EducationMove beyond food as a “special event” to food as a core pedagogical tool, and utilize peer feedback to refine your classroom approaches.
Module 6
Finding Your Voice in Food EducationCurate your “Food-E Portfolio” and transition from classroom-level change to school and community-wide influence. Build habits to sustain your practice and find your voice as a leader in the food education movement.
Enter your email address to start your Food-E journey. You’ll be redirected to the Teachers College website to complete your enrollment.
Anyone working with K-5 students who wants to develop new skills to help kids build a positive, hands-on relationship with food. No prior nutrition or gardening experience required.
Yes! Anyone who works with students or is interested in mastering the “what” of nutrition and the “how” of experiential instruction will benefit from this microcredential. While it was developed with K-5 educators in mind, the curriculum and assignments are flexible enough to accommodate many backgrounds – including middle and high school teachers, homeschool educators, support organization staff, and more.
The program costs $295. At this time we are unable to offer scholarships or financial aid, however pricing decisions for professional development programs at Teachers College were made with accessibility in mind.
Food-E blends nutrition science with hands-on pedagogy. You’ll explore your own relationship with food and school lunch, examine the challenges in our food system, get a practical refresher on “Nutrition 101,” and learn to teach food topics through school gardens, cooking, cafeteria tastings, science, health, and literacy.
It’s a six-week experience delivered as self-paced online modules, with optional live engagement opportunities you can join along the way. Enrollment is ongoing, and there are several sessions scheduled throughout the year. Be sure to select your preferred session when you register.
No. The program is built for educators of all experience levels, whether you’ve never taught a food-related lesson or already run a school garden.
Food-E was created by Teachers College, Columbia University, in partnership with FoodCorps, a national nonprofit that reaches over 500,000 students a year with food education programs. It combines TC’s research and pedagogy with FoodCorps’ field-tested, evidence-based curriculum.
Yes. Participants who complete all assignments earn a verified Certificate of Participation and a Digital Badge you can share on LinkedIn or in a portfolio. 3 CEUs are available and NYS-licensed educators are eligible for 20 CTLE hours. Upon course completion, TC Academy staff will reach out with more information about receiving CEUs and CTLE hours. Note: this is a non-credit program and does not count toward academic credit at Teachers College or elsewhere.
No, this program does not require an application. You can enroll directly through the program page, or email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu with questions if you have any issues enrolling.
Yes, schools, districts, non-profits or government entities enrolling 10 or more participants are eligible for a discount. Contact tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu for more information.
Yes, we accept Segal Education Award funds as payment for this microcredential. Please reach out to tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu for more information.
Visit the TC Academy webpage or email apply@foodcorps.org.
Discounted rates are available for bulk enrollments of 10 or more participants. Please contact us for more information.