Nutrition and Food Science Teacher

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
 
April 8, 2026

POSITION: Nutrition and Food Science Teacher

LOCATION:  Westover High School 

JOB SUMMARY:
The Nutrition and Food Science Teacher is responsible for delivering engaging, standards-based instruction in nutrition, food preparation, and healthy living. This position emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that promote practical life skills, food safety, and wellness. The teacher fosters a safe, structured, and interactive classroom and kitchen lab environment while supporting the academic and personal development of all students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution;
2. Valid Georgia teaching certification in Family and Consumer Sciences, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or related field, or eligibility under a Charter Waiver;
3. Demonstrated ability to engage and motivate students with diverse learning styles through meaningful, hands-on instruction;
4. Ability to effectively integrate technology into classroom and lab-based instruction;
5. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and nutrition principles;
6. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  

1. Knowledge of nutrition, food preparation techniques, and food safety/sanitation standards;
2. Ability to deliver engaging, hands-on instruction in both classroom and kitchen lab settings;
3. Strong classroom management skills with the ability to maintain a safe, structured, and productive learning environment;
4. Ability to differentiate instruction to meet diverse student learning needs and abilities;
5. Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with students, parents, and staff;
6. Ability to integrate technology into instruction to enhance student learning;
7. Organizational and time management skills to plan lessons, manage lab activities, and complete required documentation.
8. Ability to supervise students and ensure safety during food preparation and use of kitchen equipment;
9. Knowledge of basic budgeting, meal planning, and real-world life skills related to food and nutrition;
10. Commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement in instructional practices.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintain consistent attendance, organization, and commitment to the success of all assigned students;
2. Develop and implement detailed instructional plans aligned with district and state standards in food, nutrition, and wellness;
3. Provide hands-on instruction in food labs, ensuring safe use of equipment and adherence to sanitation and safety guidelines;
4. Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners and promote student engagement;
5. Maintain appropriate classroom and kitchen lab management to ensure a safe and productive learning environment;
6. Integrate real-world applications such as meal planning, budgeting, and nutrition analysis into instruction;
7. Communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff regarding student progress and behavior;
8. Supervise students during classroom, lab, and school-related activities as assigned;
9. Complete all required records, reports, and documentation accurately and in a timely manner;
10. Maintain satisfactory performance on the system's evaluation instrument;
11. Participate in professional development related to nutrition, culinary arts, and instructional practices;
12. Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

1. Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the classroom for extended periods of time;
2. Ability to occasionally lift or move instructional materials and classroom supplies (up to approximately 25 pounds);
3. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and assist young students as needed;
4. Work is performed primarily in a classroom environment with moderate noise levels typical of a school setting;
5. Requires frequent interaction with students, staff, and families throughout the school day.

REPORTS TO:  Principal 

SALARY RANGE: 10 Month Contract. Competitive salary and excellent benefits package in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials by April 17, 2026. 

 INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.

  THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.

The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.

 Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.

About Us:
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 22 schools (14 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), 4 learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.

Important Note:
This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.