Growing Together: Open Forum

Hello everyone,

My name is Emily Foley, and I am a Doctoral Candidate at Saybrook University. I am conducting a research study exploring how cooking and gardening educators make sense of their role in influencing children's interest in food and healthy eating.

I am currently seeking educators who meet the eligibility criteria below for a one-on-one interview. If you know someone who may be eligible, I would be grateful if you would consider sharing this opportunity with them.

Eligible educators:

• Are at least 18 years old.
• Speak English.
• Have at least one year of experience teaching cooking and/or gardening to elementary-aged children (approximately ages 5–11).
• Currently teach, or have taught within the past several years, experiential cooking and/or gardening education.

Participation involves:

• One confidential interview lasting approximately 60–90 minutes.
• Conducted via Zoom or in person.
• Audio recorded for research purposes.
• A $25 gift card as a thank-you for participating.

Participation is completely voluntary, and all identities and interview responses will be kept confidential.

If you're interested in participating-or would simply like to learn more-please feel free to contact me directly. I'm happy to answer any questions, confirm eligibility, provide the informed consent document, and schedule an interview at a convenient time.

Emily Foley
Doctoral Candidate, Saybrook University
📧 efoley@saybrook.edu
📱 (862) 268-1040

Thank you so much for considering this opportunity and for supporting research in experiential food education. I truly appreciate your time and consideration!

Hello

I'd be happy to participate. I currently teach gardening full time with students in grades K-8. We taste, cook and eat from the garden. You can check out our program on Facebook @LVCSGardens.

Lua Siegel

School garden coordinator/instructor

Luckiamute Valley Charter School, Oregon

l.siegel@lvcs.k12.or.us

I'll participate! I have an organization called Rooted In Education. We design and build living classrooms and offer garden based education K-8. Our website is rootedineducation.org.

Nadia Stewart

Executive and Creative Founder

Socials: @rootedineducation