Sugar Producer

28 SUGAR PRODUCER | OCTOBER 2022 As the scientific voice of the U.S. sugar industry, we seek to share our knowledge of sugar to add balance to the public conversation around sugar, with the goal of increased consumer understanding and confidence in the role that sugar plays in a nutritious, balanced and enjoyable diet. One place where the sugar conversation is very active, and not always balanced, is in schools. Family and Consumer Science (FCS) educators are often the ones tasked with correcting common misperceptions about sugar and trying to insert the facts. We have made it a priority to help them with this by providing credible classroom resources and lesson plans. Accreditation Speaks Quality Educators are increasingly looking beyond textbooks for quality-certified teaching resources, videos and lesson plans to use in their classrooms. The Sugar Association has long been a resource for teachers, providing free fact-based information and curriculum to help ensure the science behind sugar is taught. Over the past six years, we have developed all-new science-based materials and strengthened our credibility as a trusted and valuable resource for educators, health professionals and consumers. If you have been out of the classroom for a while, you may not be familiar with STEM. STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in the four specific disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (or STEAM when Art is included) in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real- world applications. In April, the Sugar Association's educational resources were accredited by STEM.org, the oldest STEM education research and credentialing organization in America, allowing our classroom materials to carry the accreditation trustmark on all digital and print formats. This accreditation is a significant nod to the quality of the association's materials. It also serves to enhance the credibility of the whole industry with external audiences, increases our ability to be effective in reaching educators and their students and opens up new opportunities to expand our reach through the STEM.org partnership and other organizations. Partner Educational Organizations: • Home Baking Association • STEM.org • Leading, Engaging, Advocating, Developing Family & Consumer Sciences Education (LEAD FCS) • American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences • Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Bringing The Science Of Sugar  To The Classroom Providing credible, science-based educational materials to educators and health professionals FROM THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION By Courtney Gaine, R.D., Ph.D., President & CEO This accreditation is a significant nod to the quality of the association's materials.

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