Education Test Kitchen

In this episode of Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones welcomes three inspiring guests to discuss the origins and impact of the Test Kitchen Education Foundation in Fort Madison, Iowa. Brent Zirkel shares how the foundation was created to blend culinary arts with education, providing students with essential life and academic skills. Kumar Withanage, a renowned chef and passionate educator, recounts his journey from Sri Lanka to the U.S. and his motivation to give back to the community through after-school programs that teach both cooking and life lessons. Julian Pope, a former student and participant, describes how the Test Kitchen became a turning point in his life, offering mentorship, practical skills, and opportunities that helped him pursue higher education. The conversation highlights the power of mentorship, the importance of community, and the value of providing safe, supportive spaces for students to grow.

• How Test Kitchen Education Foundation came to be. 
• How Julien got involved through the robotics program. 
• Cooking provides instant feedback.
• The power of mentorship.
• ACT - Appreciate, Clean up after yourself, Thank everyone.
• Mentorship and agreements or commitments

About Kumar Wickramasingha

Kumar Wickramasingha is best known in southeast Iowa for his culinary expertise and his deep commitment to educational equity. A native of Sri Lanka, Kumar immigrated to the United States in 1986, where he was welcomed by George and Jean Alton—two Fort Madison educators who gave him a home and the encouragement to pursue higher education. Inspired by their generosity and belief in the power of education, Kumar fulfilled his American dream by becoming a successful restaurateur and later a healthcare executive.

Kumar's most enduring legacy, however, may be his work in education reform. As the founder of the Test Kitchen Education Foundation (TKEF), he created the Elliott Test Kitchen (ETK)—a one-of-a-kind afterschool program that used food and mentorship to bring academic support to students in rural Iowa. With a blend of culinary creativity and educational accountability, the program helped countless students from all backgrounds succeed in school, build life skills, and discover their potential.

Today, Kumar is collaborating with former ETK student Julien Pope on a forthcoming book that tells the story of the Test Kitchen’s origins, challenges, and powerful impact. The book not only highlights the life-changing effects of academic support and mentorship, but also draws a powerful connection between the decline of quality education in rural communities and the rise of political polarization in America. Through real stories and hard truths, the project aims to spark a national conversation—and offer a roadmap for healing both systems.

Kumar continues to live in Fort Madison and remains passionate about giving back to the community that once lifted him up. His work is a testament to the idea that the best way to thank a community is to build something lasting within it.

About Julien Pope

Julien Pope is a ghostwriter and freelance developmental editor currently working in Fort Madison, Iowa. As a high schooler, his life was positively impacted by the Elliott Test Kitchen, and, using the resources provided to him by the ETK, he successfully enrolled at the University of Iowa as an English and Creative Writing Major. Recently graduated, he has returned to Fort Madison to work on a series of writing projects, one of which being the memoir of Kumar Wickramasingha and the story of the Elliott Test Kitchen. 

As the author of this memoir, Julien will use both personal narrative and in-depth research to create a compelling argument for the solution to rural America’s educational decline - namely, that only through dedicated, passionate community involvement and cultural appreciation will education be able to flourish and heal the rifts in our fracturing society. 

About Brent Zirkel

Brent Zirkel is currently the Elementary Principal at Mary Welsh Elementary in Williamsburg, Iowa, a school of about 650 students.  He also serves as the district ELL Director, Migratory Education Program Director, and Preschool Program Director. Brent has previously served as the Associate Principal at Williamsburg Jr/Sr. High School (7-12) and Fort Madison Middle School (4-8).  Brent taught Spanish at Fort Madison High School for 12 years where he was honored for 5 consecutive years with the Terry Branstad Inspiring Teacher Award for serving as a motivational force to some of Iowa’s top-performing high school students. He has a BA in Geography and Spanish Education, an MS in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Bilingual Education (ELL), and is certified as a Pre-K-12 Administrator and Special Education Supervisor.

Brent is also an educational consultant for the Test Kitchen Educational Foundation: a non-profit organization that creates innovative after-school programming for rural communities in Iowa by getting youth excited about learning through engagement in academics, culinary arts, and valuable life skills.  

Brent is married to Michelle, a K-6 Media Teacher, and has two children, Brevin (16) and Bram (10). Brent enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid fan of Survivor, the TV show, and is a true believer in progress through struggle. Brent sees education as the greatest opportunity to build a better tomorrow by positively impacting the lives of his students today.

Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL, and Renaissance Learning:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. 

These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and lear...