Culinary Arts Instructor

SouthWest Metro Intermediate District #288 has a full-time opening for a part-time Culinary Arts Instructor (.5 FTE) in the Career and Technical Education department at our Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee, MN SouthWest Metro serves students in 11 member districts and 8 associate member districts across the southwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area with programs in Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Care & Treatment, Adult Education, and Alternative Education. We invite you to embrace your own value, potential, and ability at SouthWest Metro, while empowering others to discover theirs. We work to empower ALL learners to realize their self-worth through personalized educational instruction, connection to resources, and access to a supportive learning environment. Description Culinary Arts Instructor, 4 hours a day (.5 FTE) for 185 Contract Days. SouthWest Metro Intermediate District 288 is seeking a collaborative and student-centered Culinary Arts Instructor to provide hands-on culinary instruction for secondary students. This position introduces students to foundational culinary concepts, workplace expectations, food preparation, sanitation, and kitchen safety while helping prepare them for continued culinary programming. Scheduled time includes direct student instruction, lesson preparation, curriculum collaboration, purchasing, inventory, kitchen setup, stocking, travel, documentation, and program coordination. Job Summary The Culinary Arts Instructor will work closely with the district's Lead Chef to coordinate curriculum, instructional activities, kitchen operations, purchasing, and program supplies. The position includes daily instructional preparation, food and equipment purchasing, stocking and organizing kitchen spaces, and travel to a partner site to teach. This is a great opportunity for an experienced culinary, food-service, or hospitality professional looking to bring their industry expertise into the classroom — prior teaching experience is not required, and the district supports candidates who are new to education in working toward licensure. Minimum Qualifications Education, training, or professional experience in culinary arts, food service, hospitality, Family and Consumer Sciences, or a related field.Demonstrated ability to work effectively with secondary students.Knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, kitchen safety, and proper food-storage practices.Ability to independently organize purchasing, preparation, inventory, and instructional responsibilities.Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for daily travel between instructional locations.Successful completion of a district background check is required for employment. Preferred Qualifications Valid Minnesota teaching license in an appropriate field, or eligibility and willingness to obtain the license or permission required for the assignment.Professional culinary, restaurant, catering, hospitality, or food-service experience — this role is a strong fit for industry professionals interested in transitioning into the classroom through Career and Technical Education (CTE).Experience teaching culinary arts, career and technical education, youth enrichment, or secondary students.Experience working with students from alternative learning, special education, transition, or diverse educational backgrounds.Food-safety certification, such as ServSafe, or willingness to obtain certification.Experience developing curriculum and collaborating within a multi-instructor culinary program.Knowledge of career pathways, work-based learning, and industry-recognized culinary competencies. Pay & Benefits The pay range is $56,000-103,000 based on education and experience. Available benefits: 403(b)TRA (Pension Plan)Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Working Conditions Work is performed in classroom, instructional kitchen, storage, and partner-site environments.Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and active supervision of students are required.Ability to safely lift, move, and carry food, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.Regular exposure to commercial kitchen equipment, heat, refrigeration, food products, cleaning materials, and common food allergens.Daily driving between instructional locations is required. Application Procedure Apply Online at swmetro.k12.mn.us/employment_opportunities Selection Procedure Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately until the position is filled. Those selected for interviews will be contacted.