In this issue of our BCAITC Teacher Champion series, we profile BC teacher Tanya Lightbody. Discover her passion for educating students about BC agriculture, food, and the environment.

Q: What school do you teach? A:  I teach at Sunrise Ridge Elementary School in Surrey, BC.

Q: What grade(s) do you teach? A: I teach Grade 2 this year.

Q: How and when did you first learn about BCAITC? A: I first learned about BCAITC about 12 years ago through a colleague who was participating in the Spuds in Tubs program. Their experience with the program piqued my interest!

Q: How long have you been teaching students about BC agriculture and food? A: I have been teaching students about BC agriculture and food for about 10 years through the Spuds in Tubs program and have also participated in Planting A Promise several times. 

Q: What are the most important things that you want your students to learn about BC agriculture and food? A: One of the most important lessons I want my students to learn about BC agriculture and food is understanding where our food comes from. There is a special sense of wonder and joy that develops when students are able to grow something, like daffodils or potatoes, from start to finish. Experiencing this process firsthand helps students appreciate the hard work behind food production and fosters a personal connection to what they grow. Even students who once claimed they didn’t like potatoes often change their minds after tasting the ones they grew themselves, making the experience even more meaningful.

Q: BCAITC has over 500 free downloadable resources including lesson plans, activities, videos, recipes, and more! What is your favourite BCAITC resource and why? A: My class actively participates in the Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month Contest. One of the most valuable resources I use from the BCAITC website is the collection of curated book lists. These lists greatly assist me in finding age-appropriate books that align with my student's interests.

Q: What is your favourite BCAITC program and why?  A: My absolute favourite BCAITC program is Spuds in Tubs. There’s something truly special about seeing students fully engaged in the entire growing process, from planting to harvest. Their excitement on harvest day is unmatched, and their bright smiles say it all! The best part is when they get to taste the potatoes they’ve grown themselves, giving them a whole new appreciation for local food and what it means to grow what you eat.

Q: Describe an agriculture or food-based project/program you have implemented in your classroom/school recently. A: This year, Planting A Promise has become incredibly special to me. We decided to turn our daffodil project into a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. We sold our daffodils to family members, school staff, and our big buddy class, and so far, we’ve raised $350. This initiative took on even more personal significance for me as I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Watching my students and the entire school community come together to support this cause has been deeply moving. We had a powerful discussion about the impact we could make if every class that grew daffodils organized a similar fundraiser. The difference it could create is truly inspiring!

Q: Do you have any advice for other educators on how to integrate agriculture and food education into their curriculum?  A: Don’t feel intimidated—BCAITC is amazing at supporting teachers every step of the way. I highly recommend starting with programs like Spuds in Tubs and Planting a Promise. These initiatives are easy to follow, even if you’ve never done anything like them before. The step-by-step instructions make it very manageable, and I really appreciate the reminder and instructional emails that come throughout the year. They help keep everything on track and ensure a successful learning experience!

About the Teacher Champion Series: This monthly BCAITC series features BC teachers and school staff who are passionate about providing agriculture and food education to K-12 students. For more information, contact BCAITC Communications Coordinator, communications@aitc.ca.