Description
SALARY: Per the negotiated agreement
BENEFITS : TRS, health insurance and leave time (sick and personal)
REQUIREMENTS: Professional Educator License (PEL) with appropriate endorsement(s).
POSITION SUMMARY:
The High School Culinary Arts Teacher is responsible for delivering a comprehensive,
standards-aligned culinary arts curriculum that prepares students for careers in the food service
and hospitality industry. This position combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory
experiences, equipping students with professional culinary techniques, food safety knowledge,
and industry-ready skills. The teacher fosters a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning
environment that promotes student success and career readiness.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Curriculum & Instruction
• Plan, develop, and deliver engaging lessons in culinary arts including knife skills, baking
and pastry, nutrition, menu planning, and international cuisines.
• Design and facilitate hands-on lab experiences in a commercial-style kitchen setting.
• Align instruction with state CTE standards and National Restaurant Association
Educational Foundation (NRAEF) frameworks.
• Integrate academic content (math, science, literacy) into culinary instruction.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Food Safety & Lab Management.
• Maintain strict food safety and sanitation standards in compliance with local health codes.
• Instruct students in ServSafe or equivalent food handler certification preparation.
• Manage kitchen equipment, inventory, and supply ordering within allocated budget.
• Ensure a safe lab environment through consistent enforcement of safety protocols.
Student Assessment & Support
• Assess student learning through written exams, practical demonstrations, portfolios, and
industry-based assessments.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of student grades, attendance, and progress.
• Provide academic support, feedback, and interventions as needed.
• Advise and mentor students in career pathways in culinary arts and hospitality.
Career & Community Engagement
• Advise the school's culinary arts club or SkillsUSA chapter.
• Coordinate student participation in culinary competitions, internships, and industry
events.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local restaurant and hospitality industry partners.
• Organize community events, catering opportunities, and student-led food service
experiences.
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Collaborate with colleagues, counselors, and administration to support school-wide
goals.
• Participate in professional development, CTE conferences, and ongoing training.
• Maintain required licensure, certifications, and industry knowledge.
• Communicate proactively with parents and guardians regarding student progress.
• Complete administrative duties including lesson planning, inventory logs, and program
reports.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Valid state teaching license/certification in Culinary Arts, Family & Consumer Sciences,
or CTE (or eligibility to obtain).
• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Hospitality Management, Education,
or related field; OR equivalent combination of industry experience and education.
• Minimum 2 years of professional culinary or food service industry experience.
• Current ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire).
• Demonstrated ability to manage a commercial kitchen environment safely and efficiently.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Prior secondary or post-secondary teaching experience.
• Experience with CTE program development and industry partnerships.
• Membership or involvement in ProStart, SkillsUSA, or culinary professional
organizations.
• Bilingual proficiency is a plus.
• Experience with project-based learning and authentic assessment strategies.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires extended periods of standing, walking, and working in a commercial
kitchen environment. The teacher must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and work around heat,
sharp instruments, and kitchen equipment. Some evening or weekend hours may be required
for competitions, community events, or professional development.
SUPERVISOR: Courtney Alexander, Department Lead Career & Technical Education
Homewood-Flossmoor High School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, release, leaves of absence, compensation and training.