‌The SPA at Teachers College is a “… graduate program that is committed to promoting equity and excellence in education and overcoming the gap in educational access and achievement between the most and least advantaged groups in this country.” They transform current teachers into leaders that will one day shape school policies and practices related to all topics, including school meals and food and nutrition education.

 This partnership between Tisch Food Center and SPA is a natural fit.

“Principals are well-positioned to create and support healthy school environments. We see examples of where school administrators are able to shift policies and practices in positive ways, and the Tisch Food Center wants to be able to influence the next wave of school leaders,” said Tisch Food Center Executive Director Pam Koch, who was a guest speaker to the SPA 2016 and 2017 cohorts.

As part of their social equity curriculum, aspiring principals at SPA are learning about why food matters at school; about the stigma around school food; and about food environments and pressures that students face every day. This partnership is an initial step; the Tisch Food Center looks forward to exploring additional ways to connect with future school leaders.