Food Educator Training: Online Professional Learning Course

September 28 – November 22

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Food Educator Training is an 8-week online professional learning course that prepares educators, health professionals, and community leaders to confidently facilitate engaging, hands-on food education experiences with students of all ages.

Based on the Food is Elementary curriculum, this online course explores the connections between nutrition, culinary arts, culture, gardening, ecology, and the arts. Through live instruction, self-paced learning, and practical application, participants gain the knowledge, teaching strategies, and resources needed to bring meaningful food education into classrooms, community programs, and other learning environments.

Whether you teach in a school, lead a community program, work in health and wellness, or simply have a passion for food education, this course provides the tools and confidence to make food an engaging part of learning.

Course Overview

Food Educator Training combines the flexibility of online learning with the support of a collaborative learning community. Over eight weeks, participants complete four modules that build from the foundations of food education to practical teaching experiences using the Food is Elementary curriculum.

Throughout the course, participants explore evidence-based teaching strategies, participate in weekly live classes, complete hands-on practice lessons, and reflect on their experiences while developing the skills to facilitate joyful, experiential food education.

Upcoming Course Information

Course Dates

Fall Session: September 28 – November 22, 2026

Live Class Schedule

Thursdays
3:30-4:30pm Eastern Time (USA)

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5, 12, 19

What’s Included in Food Educator Training

Eight Interactive Live Classes

Participate in eight engaging online classes where you’ll explore course concepts, ask questions, share ideas, and connect with fellow Food Educators.

Food is Elementary Curriculum

Receive access to the Food is Elementary curriculum, including more than 40 adaptable lessons that integrate nutrition, culture, gardening, ecology, culinary arts, and the arts.

Resource Library

Gain practical teaching guides and instructional resources that support lesson planning, organization, and successful implementation.

Food Educator Training Course Format

Each two-week module combines live online instruction with self-paced learning and hands-on teaching experiences that fit into the schedules of busy adult learners.

Live Online Classes

Weekly live online classes provide opportunities to explore course concepts, discuss the Food is Elementary  curriculum, ask questions, and learn alongside fellow participants. These interactive sessions strengthen understanding through conversation, collaboration, and shared experiences.

Self-Paced Learning Materials

Each module includes reading materials, video presentations, and curriculum resources that participants complete on their own schedule before attending the weekly live class. These materials build a strong foundation in food education, nutrition education, and experiential teaching strategies.

Hands-On Practice and Reflection

Food Educator Training emphasizes learning through experience. Participants apply course concepts by teaching practice lessons in their own educational setting and reflecting on their teaching experiences to strengthen confidence and instructional practice.

Food Educator Training Modules

The course is organized into four modules, each completed over two weeks. Together, the modules guide participants from foundational concepts to practical teaching experiences.

Module 1 Foundations in Food Education

Explore the why, what, and how of food education. Examine the educational philosophies, guiding principles, and teaching strategies that form the foundation of the Food is Elementary  approach.

Module 2 Nutrition Principles

Explore Food is Elementary Unit 1 – Nutrition Principles. Learn how nutrition and health connect with food education and discover strategies for teaching nutrition concepts in engaging, accessible ways.

Module 3 Fantastic, Fresh, Healthy Whole Foods

Explore Food is Elementary Unit 2 – Fantastic, Fresh, Healthy Whole Foods. Take a botanical and culinary approach to fruits, grains, and legumes. Explore plant parts, gardening, mindful tasting routines, and knife skills.

Module 4 Cooking Legumes Around the World

Explore Food is Elementary Unit 3 – Cooking Legumes Around the World. Learn how cooking connects food skills, culture, organization, safety, and global food traditions.

Food Educator Training Assignments and Learning Activities

Assignments are designed to help participants deepen their understanding of course concepts, apply what they learn, and reflect on their growth as Food Educators.

Discussion Forums

Weekly discussion forums encourage participants to engage with course topics, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. These conversations build community while deepening understanding of food education concepts and teaching practices.

Practice Lessons & Reflections

Beginning in Module 2, participants teach practice lessons using the Food is Elementary curriculum in their own educational setting. Following each lesson, participants complete written reflections describing what they taught, how learners responded, successes, challenges, and key takeaways that will inform their future teaching.

Food Educator Test and Final Project

Participants complete a Food Educator Test and a final project that demonstrate their understanding of course concepts and their ability to apply food education strategies in real-world learning environments.

Certificate and Professional Learning Credit

Food Educator Certificate

Participants who successfully complete the Food Educator Training recieve a Food Educator Certificate from the Food Studies Institute recognizing their successful completion of the course.

New York State Continuing Teacher & Leader Education (CTLE) Hours

Licensed educators in New York State who successfully complete Food Educator Training earn 15 Continuting Teacher & Leader Education (CTLE) hours.

The Food Studies Institute is an approved sponsor of New York State Education Department CTLE hours.

What Participants Are Saying

“I feel that my perspective has changed in that it has been broadened. Discussing cultural awareness, effective teaching techniques, hands-on-activities, food policy, botany, biology, etc. allows me to fill my bag of teacher tricks with more information to bring to my students.”
– Benyka M, Food Educator, Georgia