In this issue of our BCAITC Teacher Champion series, we profile secondary school teacher, Joe Tong. Discover his passion for educating students about BC agriculture and food.

Q: What school do you teach at? A: Steveston-London Secondary School (Richmond).

Q: What grade(s) do you teach? A: Grades 8-12.

Q: How and when did you first learn about BCAITC? A: During my MEd program, at the BCAITC Summer Institute.

Q: How long have you been teaching students about BC agriculture and food? A: Since I began teaching!

Q: What are the most important things that you want your students to learn about BC agriculture and food? A: The concept and practice of seasonal foods, local/global perspectives, and how that is represented (or not) in marketing, education, and daily habits.

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: Definitely the Grow BC food stories and recently released interviews (and behind the scenes videos) with farmers in BC.

Q: What is your favourite BCAITC program and why? A: Spuds in Tubs! I can see the benefits for people of all ages to experiencing growing their own food, the work that it takes, and hopefully appreciate all the work that it takes for us to have fresh food.

Q: What is an agriculture or food based project you have recently implemented in your classroom? A: When I introduce local ingredients into food studies, we always take a look at the particular food’s story – from where it comes from to the way we grow and use it from many perspectives including geography, culture, and identity. It is an ongoing practice for us every day and the resources from BCAITC aid in enhancing the sharing of food experiences.

Q: Do you have any advice for other educators on how to integrate agriculture and food education into their curriculum? A: Everything is connected and food is the most political act we make on a daily basis – from the privilege of being able to choose food items (or not choosing others) the connections to all areas of learning are possible, not limited to home economics courses.

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