Job Description:
Culinary Arts Teacher - Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Position Description
The Culinary Arts Teacher will provide engaging, industry-aligned instruction within Stratford Public Schools' Career and Technical Education (CTE) Culinary Arts pathway. The successful candidate will create authentic, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for postsecondary education, industry certifications, and careers in the hospitality and culinary industries.
The teacher will foster a positive, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment while integrating academic, technical, and employability skills aligned to 21st-century workforce expectations and the district's Portrait of a Graduate competencies.
Instructional areas may include culinary fundamentals, baking and pastry arts, nutrition and wellness, food safety and sanitation, hospitality management, customer service, kitchen operations, and front-of-house experiences. Students may also participate in work-based learning experiences, industry partnerships, catering events, and career exploration opportunities.
Reports to: Principal and Director of Career & Community Learning
Location: Stratford High School
Job Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality instruction in Culinary Arts and Hospitality pathways aligned with Connecticut CTE standards and industry expectations
- Develop and implement project-based, inquiry-driven, and authentic learning experiences
- Maintain a safe, organized, and sanitary commercial kitchen and classroom environment in compliance with health and safety regulations
- Integrate academic content, employability skills, technology, and career readiness into instruction
- Differentiate instruction to support diverse learners and varying student abilities
- Utilize instructional technology, industry equipment, and current culinary trends to enhance learning experiences
- Prepare students for industry-recognized certifications such as ServSafe and other hospitality credentials
- Supervise and support students during labs, catering district-approved events, competitions, internships, and work-based learning experiences
- Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, industry partners, advisory committees, and community organizations to strengthen programming and student opportunities
- Maintain accurate student records, grades, safety documentation, and inventory
- Participate in curriculum development, program improvement initiatives, professional learning, and CTE advisory meetings
- Foster a culture of professionalism, teamwork, mutual respect, communication, and student engagement
- Support district initiatives related to career readiness, equity, and student success
Qualifications
Required
- Valid Connecticut Teaching Certification to teacher culinary arts
Candidates seeking certification eligibility must possess:
- Minimum of four (4) years of recent, relevant, full-time wage-earning experience in the culinary or hospitality industry beyond the training period
- Demonstrated knowledge of culinary techniques, kitchen operations, food safety, sanitation, and hospitality practices
- Strong communication, organizational, and classroom management skills
- Commitment to fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments
Preferred
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Food Service Management, or related field from an accredited institution
- Prior teaching, mentoring, training, or youth development experience
- ServSafe Instructor and/or Manager Certification
- Experience with work-based learning, industry partnerships, catering, or restaurant operations
- Experience integrating technology and project-based learning into instruction
Additional Expectations
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented educational environment
- Commitment to continuous professional growth and staying current with culinary industry trends and workforce needs
Stratford Public Schools is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
SALARY: Per SEA Contract
Apply at: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/stratford