High School Culinary Arts Teacher

Join Our Team

At Uwharrie Charter Academy, we believe that Excellence Takes Flight. We are seeking an enthusiastic, innovative, and student-centered Culinary Arts Teacher to lead our Culinary Arts program for grades 9-12. The ideal candidate is passionate about teaching culinary skills while preparing students for college, careers, and industry certifications through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

Our teachers inspire students through meaningful relationships, rigorous instruction, and real-world learning opportunities that connect classroom experiences with future careers.

Position Overview

The Culinary Arts Teacher will develop and deliver engaging instruction aligned with the North Carolina Career and Technical Education Essential Standards for Culinary Arts and Hospitality. Students will gain experience in food preparation, food safety, kitchen operations, customer service, nutrition, baking, and culinary management while developing employability and leadership skills.

The successful candidate will create a professional kitchen environment that promotes creativity, collaboration, safety, and excellence.

Primary Responsibilities

Instruction & Student Learning

• Plan and deliver engaging, standards-based Culinary Arts instruction aligned with North Carolina CTE Essential Standards.

• Teach culinary fundamentals including:

• Food preparation techniques

• Baking and pastry basics

• Nutrition and wellness

• Sanitation and food safety

• Knife skills

• Commercial kitchen operations

• Hospitality and customer service

• Menu planning and cost control

• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.

• Integrate literacy, mathematics, science, and technology into culinary instruction.

• Utilize project-based and experiential learning to provide authentic learning experiences.

Classroom & Kitchen Management

• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional commercial kitchen laboratory.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, ServSafe, and local health department regulations.
• Manage food inventory, purchasing, equipment maintenance, and classroom budgets.
• Teach and reinforce proper food handling and sanitation procedures.
• Foster a positive classroom culture built on respect, responsibility, teamwork, and professionalism.

Career & Technical Education

• Prepare students for industry-recognized certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler and Manager certifications.
• Promote Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), including FCCLA or ProStart, when applicable.
• Connect students with career exploration opportunities through guest chefs, field experiences, internships, competitions, and community partnerships.
• Collaborate with local restaurants, culinary professionals, and businesses to expand student learning opportunities.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate student records, grades, and attendance.
• Participate in professional learning communities, staff meetings, and school events.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress.
• Collaborate with fellow teachers to integrate cross-curricular learning opportunities.
• Support the mission and values of Uwharrie Charter Academy.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor''s degree from an accredited institution.
• North Carolina teaching license (or eligibility for licensure).
• Eligible for or currently licensed in North Carolina Culinary Arts/Hospitality Education.
• Knowledge of commercial kitchen operations and food safety standards.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred

• Previous Culinary Arts teaching experience.
• Restaurant, hospitality, catering, bakery, or culinary industry experience.
• ServSafe Manager Certification.
• Experience with Career and Technical Education programs.
• Experience with project-based learning and work-based learning opportunities.
• Ability to supervise student catering events and culinary competitions.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Inspires students through engaging, hands-on instruction.
• Creates a positive, energetic classroom culture.
• Builds strong relationships with students and families.
• Demonstrates professionalism and leadership.
• Encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Maintains high expectations while supporting student growth.
• Believes every student can develop skills for success in college, careers, and life.

Why Uwharrie Charter Academy?

At Uwharrie Charter Academy, we are committed to providing students with authentic learning experiences that prepare them for the future. Our educators enjoy:

• A collaborative and supportive school culture
• Opportunities for innovation and creativity
• Strong administrative support
• Modern instructional technology
• Professional development opportunities
• Small school community with meaningful relationships
• The opportunity to shape the future of Career and Technical Education

If you are passionate about culinary arts and preparing students for successful futures through engaging, hands-on instruction, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Uwharrie Charter Academy family.