Ian Light, senior, at Turning Winds Academic Institute began the Food Handler's Certification courses by following his interests and leading other students to learn more.
I remember the day Janet, our academic director, invited me and several other students to try our hand at baking. On the way to the kitchen, I mentioned I had earned my food handler's certification at my previous school. Janet asked me if I'd like to share my knowledge of food handling with other students and I jumped on the idea! I drew up a syllabus and a four week curriculum based on my experience and the expectations from the State of Montana food handler's requirements.
Ian started this class by presenting a Purple People Eaters' lesson from the University of Idaho Extension office. Students learned about germs and how they spread by rubbing lotion with ultraviolet cream on their hands. They then washed their hands and looked at them under an ultraviolet light. Wow! Were they surprised to find the places they had missed. Even the program director, operations director and Janet tried their hand at the washing test. Ian then present proper hand washing techniques and the entire student body did the test again with much improvement.
Ian started the food handlers' kitchen labs with staff support; teaching students proper kitchen and food handling etiquette. The students completed kitchen lab write-ups and evaluated their own skills and the tastiness of the menu. At the end of the four weeks, all the students in the class gained the knowledge to successfully pass the food handler's test and some even purchased their license! The school continues to provide opportunities for food handler's certification through staff support in the kitchen.
Turning Winds Academic Institute provides individualized instruction and project-based learning creating an environment where students are excited to learn.
"Individualized instruction and project learning creates more than book knowledge. I have learned what the information applies to and how to use it." Ian Light
Students at TWAI and are able to follow their passion and share this with other students. Thanks Ian for a job well-done! (Pun intended : ).
Janet Hanson
Academic Director
Turning Winds Academic Institute
