Teach-backs are an important part of training for new EFNEP educators. They provide a safe, controlled environment where educators can practice and refine teaching skills. Serving as a "dress rehearsal," these sessions help new educators build confidence and competency with the curriculum before they begin teaching in the community. The low-stakes environment of a teach-back also allows educators to receive constructive feedback from peers content supervisors. This is a great way for educators to identify their strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement. During these sessions, educators get hands-on practice explaining curriculum concepts, preparing food samples, and using teaching tools.

Recently, Bertie County EFNEP Educator Keilah Howard put these skills into practice with a teach-back of the first-grade "Show Me Nutrition" curriculum. On August 28th, she presented the Great Grains lesson to a "class" of fellow EFNEP educators and regional content supervisors. As part of the lesson Keilah led an activity where she demonstrated how pretend germs can quickly spread to others. She then used a black light to reveal the invisible germs on the hands of participants.

This was a memorable and effective way to reinforce the curriculum's concepts. Keilah's successful teach-back is a clear example of how this training process prepares educators to deliver engaging and impactful lessons in the community.

-Jackie Sugg, Regional Nutrition Extension Associate