CTE Culinary Arts Teacher & Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Innovation Charter High School•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Innovation Charter High School is seeking a CTE Culinary Arts Teacher & Work-Based Learning Coordinator passionate about preparing high school students for meaningful careers and postsecondary success through rigorous culinary education and authentic workplace experiences. This role involves leading the Culinary Arts CTE program, delivering engaging instruction in culinary, baking, and pastry arts, and creating an inclusive learning environment. The position also includes building employer partnerships, coordinating internships and work-based learning opportunities, and developing students' employability skills for transitions to college, career training, and employment.

Requirements

New York State CTE certification in Culinary Arts (Grades 7–12) or active pathway toward the required certification
New York State Work-Based Learning Coordinator extension/certification or active pathway toward obtaining the required credential
Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, Hospitality Management, Education, or a related field
Demonstrated professional experience in Culinary Arts, food service, hospitality, or a related industry
Current ServSafe certification and/or applicable New York City Food Protection certification
Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, commercial kitchen practices, and culinary equipment
Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, rigorous, and student-centered learning environment

Nice To Haves

3+ years of teaching, training, or professional culinary experience
Experience teaching Culinary Arts at the secondary level and hands-on experience in baking and pastry arts
Experience coordinating internships, work-based learning, youth employment, or career-readiness programming
Familiarity with the ProStart curriculum, Levels 1 and 2
Experience supporting students with IEPs and differentiating hands-on instruction for diverse learners
Experience developing partnerships with employers and community organizations

Responsibilities

Plan, teach, and assess Culinary Arts courses, including culinary fundamentals, baking, pastry arts, food preparation, and kitchen-based laboratory experiences.
Develop and implement engaging lesson plans, course syllabi, instructional goals, and assessments aligned with the school's CTE program requirements.
Provide students with authentic, hands-on learning experiences that develop culinary techniques, creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and professional workplace habits.
Differentiate instruction and laboratory experiences to ensure students with varying learning needs and skill levels can participate successfully.
Integrate academic skills, career readiness, employability skills, and industry expectations throughout the Culinary Arts curriculum.
Use student performance data, practical assessments, observations, and feedback to monitor progress and adjust instruction.
Maintain current knowledge of culinary industry trends, instructional practices, and CTE requirements through ongoing professional learning.
Establish and maintain rigorous standards for food safety, sanitation, kitchen operations, and student safety.
Teach and consistently reinforce proper food handling, sanitation, equipment use, and workplace safety practices.
Maintain culinary equipment, kitchen tools, instructional materials, and program inventory.
Monitor supply levels and prepare timely purchase requests for food, equipment, and instructional materials.
Ensure the culinary learning environment is organized, properly maintained, and ready for instruction.
Maintain required program documentation and support ongoing compliance with applicable CTE program requirements.
Support schoolwide events and activities involving Culinary Arts programming.
Support extracurricular Culinary Arts programming, including after-school activities, as assigned.
Develop and coordinate meaningful work-based learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to real-world career opportunities.
Build and expand partnerships with restaurants, hospitality organizations, employers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community partners.
Identify and develop internship, job-shadowing, career exploration, and employment opportunities for students.
Prepare students for workplace experiences through job-readiness instruction, workshops, coaching, and individualized guidance.
Help students develop professional communication, workplace behavior, résumé development, interviewing, time management, teamwork, and other employability skills.
Coordinate student participation in work-based learning initiatives and employment programs, including SYEP, Work Learn Grow, and other applicable opportunities.
Conduct periodic visits to internship and employment sites to monitor student progress and strengthen employer partnerships.
Support students in reflecting on workplace experiences and connecting those experiences to their academic, career, and postsecondary goals.
Maintain accurate and timely work-based learning records, including student timesheets, payroll documentation, worksite agreements, NYS Career Plans, Employability Skills Profiles, and other required documentation.
Monitor student participation and progress in internships and employment placements and address concerns in collaboration with students, families, employers, and school staff.
Maintain strong communication with worksite supervisors and external partners to ensure high-quality student experiences.
Support and participate in the Culinary Arts Advisory Board and other CTE-related partnership structures.
Collaborate with the Director of College & Career Readiness & CTE and school leadership to strengthen the alignment between Culinary Arts instruction, work-based learning, and postsecondary pathways.
Engage actively in feedback, coaching, and professional learning.
Collaborate with colleagues to improve instructional practice, career readiness programming, and student outcomes.
Partner with special education staff and student support teams to ensure students receive appropriate accommodations and supports.
Contribute to a culture of reflection, curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Help create classrooms and a school community rooted in belonging, safety, high expectations, and professional excellence.