Family and Consumer Science Teacher (Culinary Arts)

Position SummaryThe High School Culinary Arts Teacher is responsible for delivering a comprehensive,standards-aligned culinary arts curriculum that prepares students for careers in the food serviceand hospitality industry. This position combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratoryexperiences, equipping students with professional culinary techniques, food safety knowledge,and industry-ready skills. The teacher fosters a safe, inclusive, and engaging learningenvironment that promotes student success and career readiness.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesCurriculum & Instruction Plan, develop, and deliver engaging lessons in culinary arts including knife skills, bakingand 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 AssociationEducational 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, andindustry-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 industryevents. Develop and maintain relationships with local restaurant and hospitality industry partners. Organize community events, catering opportunities, and student-led food serviceexperiences.Professional Responsibilities Collaborate with colleagues, counselors, and administration to support school-widegoals. 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 programreports.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 professionalorganizations. Bilingual proficiency is a plus. Experience with project-based learning and authentic assessment strategies.Work Environment & Physical RequirementsThis position requires extended periods of standing, walking, and working in a commercialkitchen 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 requiredfor competitions, community events, or professional development.SALARY / BENEFITS: Per the negotiated agreement REQUIREMENTS: Professional Educator License (PEL) with appropriate endorsement(s). 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.