Cooking up Learning at Battle

April 3, 2025 – At Battle Academy, the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread and the sizzle of frying okra aren’t just about cooking—they’re about learning. Through the innovative “Cooking Up Learning” program, students blend culinary arts with their everyday studies, making education a flavorful adventure.

Tarah Kemp, the driving force behind “Cooking Up Learning,” moved to Chattanooga in 2006 from Miami, Florida and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. “I was a teacher with two jobs: teaching during the day and serving at a local restaurant at night. I did this for over 12 years. I was keen on keeping my worlds divided, only to discover that I could bring my expertise and passion of food into my classroom,”explained Kemp. Her passion for cooking and teaching led her to establish this program at Battle Academy. The program aims to provide students with opportunities to think critically, collaborate, and develop problem-solving skills.

Here are some ways this program changes the way students learn with a more exciting and hands-on approach by mixing cooking with regular school subjects.

Third Graders Travel Back to 1900s London

Third-grade students, while reading Peter Pan in their English Language Arts class, brought the culinary world of early 1900s London to life. In the culinary lab, they engaged in a unit titled “Classics: Classical Cooking from Preservation to Colonial Connections,” where they learned about historical preservation techniques like canning, pickling, and dehydrating—essential skills in a time before refrigeration. They baked pumpkin bread using preserved ingredients, such as canned pumpkin and apples. Students connected with how colonial families utilized stored goods to transition into the growing season. This hands-on experience not only enriched their understanding of the literature but also highlighted the agricultural significance of the Middle Colonies, known as the “breadbasket” region.

Fifth Graders Discover Culinary Catalysts for Change

In fifth grade, students learned about trailblazers like Jackie Robinson who helped spark big changes in the world. That same theme was brought to life in the classroom, where they looked at how chefs use food to inspire hope, take action, and make a difference. They learned about food legends like Edna Lewis, Alice Waters, Julia Child, José Andrés, and George Crum. They also got to meet local changemakers like Amanda Kirkpatrick, a dietitian from Parkridge Medical, and Erik Zilen from Niedlov’s Breadworks, who shared their own journeys.

Chef Kenyatta Ashford: A Standout Community Partner

A standout partnership within the program is with Chef Kenyatta Ashford, a local chef and Food Network “Chopped Champion” and expert in Afro-Creole cuisine. For three years, Chef Ashford has collaborated with students on various lessons, from understanding the chemistry of a basic vinaigrette to exploring the cultural significance of fried okra sourced from the school’s rooftop garden. During a recent visit, he guided students in preparing Chicken Perlo, a dish rich in history and flavor. These experiences not only enhance students’ culinary skills but also provide valuable insights into cultural heritage and the importance of community.

 Battle Academy, through the “Cooking Up Learning” program, is able to bring real-world experiences into the classroom. By combining cooking with school subjects, students understand their lessons better and also build important life skills, while having fun learning through food!

Mission and Vision

Founded by educator Tarah Kemp, the “Cooking Up Learning” program aims to:

• Align culinary activities with grade-specific standards in a fun and engaging way.

• Foster authentic engagement between the community and students, providing real-world experiences beyond the typical classroom.

• Develop stronger conversational skills and career-ready habits among students.

• Celebrate creativity, culture, and diversity by exploring foods from around the world.

This program has already garnered positive feedback from both students and educators, with 100% of educators observing heightened student engagement, better content retention, and an overall positive attitude toward school. Parents and teachers alike have praised its role in enhancing students’ knowledge of history, geography, and math through cooking. As one parent shared, “We never thought our fifth grader would be excited about beans and vegetables—now he loves parsnips and eats beans, thanks to Culinary Lab!”

If you would like to learn more or would like to bring the program to your school you can visit their website for more information: https://www.cookinguplearning.com/ .