Job Description:
Reports To: Culinary Arts Instructor and Building Principal
Department: Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Position Summary
The Teacher Assistant for the High School Culinary Arts Program provides instructional, technical, and operational support to the Culinary Arts Instructor in delivering a comprehensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The Teacher Assistant assists with classroom instruction, laboratory supervision, food preparation, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and the implementation of health and safety standards. The position helps create a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment that prepares students for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Instructional Support
Assist the Culinary Arts Instructor with the delivery of classroom and laboratory instruction.
Reinforce culinary techniques, food preparation methods, and kitchen procedures under the direction of the instructor.
Provide individual and small-group support to students during classroom and laboratory activities.
Monitor student progress and encourage proper culinary practices and professional behaviors.
Assist with student assessments, practical evaluations, and project-based learning activities.
Laboratory and Kitchen Operations
Prepare kitchen laboratories for daily instruction, including assembling ingredients, equipment, and supplies.
Ensure all kitchen workstations are properly organized before, during, and after instruction.
Demonstrate proper use, cleaning, and storage of culinary equipment as directed.
Assist students in maintaining sanitation and food safety standards consistent with local, state, and federal regulations.
Monitor proper handling of knives, commercial kitchen equipment, and hazardous materials.
Inventory and Food Service Support
Assist with receiving, organizing, labeling, and storing food deliveries and culinary supplies.
Maintain an accurate inventory of food products, small wares, equipment, and consumable supplies.
Notify the instructor of low inventory levels and damaged or expired products.
Assist in preparing food for school events, catering activities, competitions, and community functions.
Classroom Management
Supervise students during classroom, laboratory, and off-campus culinary activities as assigned.
Promote professionalism, teamwork, punctuality, and workplace readiness.
Reinforce school policies, classroom expectations, and kitchen safety procedures.
Assist in maintaining a clean, orderly, and productive instructional environment.
Health and Safety
Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, OSHA, and New York State health regulations.
Monitor proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Assist in conducting routine kitchen safety inspections.
Report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or accidents immediately.
Administrative Support
Prepare instructional materials, handouts, recipes, and classroom resources.
Assist with maintaining student records, attendance, and program documentation.
Support Career and Technical Education reporting requirements and accreditation activities.
Assist in organizing field trips, industry visits, guest speakers, and student competitions.
Professional Responsibilities
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
Participate in professional development opportunities as assigned.
Collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, counselors, and industry partners.
Perform other duties related to the Culinary Arts Program as assigned by the instructor or principal.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
New York State Teacher Assistant Certification or the ability to obtain certification as required by state regulations.
Experience working in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, food service operation, or culinary environment preferred.
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and staff.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate degree or coursework in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Food Service Management, or a related field.
Current food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe Food Handler or Manager Certification).
Experience working with high school students in an educational or training environment.
Familiarity with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and work-based learning.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of culinary techniques, kitchen equipment, and food preparation methods.
Understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations.
Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of an instructional team.
Ability to establish positive relationships with diverse student populations.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
Physical Requirements
Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying.
Ability to work in a commercial kitchen environment with exposure to heat, sharp utensils, and cleaning chemicals.
Ability to lift and transport food products, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment
The work is performed primarily in a commercial teaching kitchen and classroom environment. The position requires strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards while supporting students in hands-on culinary instruction.
Performance Expectations
Success in this position is measured by the ability to:
Support high-quality culinary instruction and student learning.
Maintain a safe, clean, and efficient instructional kitchen.
Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork.
Promote student engagement, safety, and career readiness.
Contribute positively to the overall success of the school''s Career and Technical Education program.
Applying & selection process
After submitting your cover letter and resume, CSEE will review your documents. Candidates with a track record of success will be invited to an in-person interview with the school''s Administration team. Participating school in the New York State Teacher''s Retirement System (NYSTRS).
An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Charter School of Educational Excellence to provide educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, alienage and citizen status, age, marital status, disability, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as provided by law), sexual orientation, gender (sex), and to maintain an environment free of discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment, or retaliation as required by civil rights law.