Anticipated Instructional Assistant; Culinary Arts

Salary

Per negotiated agreement.

IMRF, leave time, insurance (health, dental, vision, life).

Educator License with Stipulations Paraprofessional (ELS-PARA) or Substitute Teaching License (SUB).

The position of Instructional Assistant (Culinary Arts) is established for the purpose of providing direct support to the Culinary Arts instructional program. The primary responsibility of this role is to assist culinary teachers in delivering hands‑on instruction, maintaining a safe and productive kitchen classroom environment, and supporting the academic and technical development of all students enrolled in culinary coursework.

Assist culinary teachers in preparing for and executing daily lessons, demonstrations, and lab activities. Reinforce techniques and procedures introduced by the lead teacher and ensure students are engaged and following safety and sanitation protocols.

Maintain the culinary program budget, track expenditures for food, supplies, and equipment, and ensure resources are allocated effectively to support planned instruction.

Prepare recipe demonstrations in advance of lessons, including gathering and measuring ingredients, organizing workstations, and ensuring all necessary tools and materials are ready for teacher‑led instruction.

Monitor and manage the kitchen classroom environment during instructional and non‑instructional time, including set‑up, clean‑up, and proper storage of equipment, tools, and food products.

Support implementation of instructional plans, differentiated strategies, and interventions designed by culinary teachers to meet students’ varied skill levels and learning needs.

Assist students who may require extra guidance in mastering culinary techniques, assist with inventory and organization of kitchen supplies, and communicate relevant student performance information to culinary teachers and school personnel.

Work collaboratively with the culinary teaching staff to create a positive, safe, and effective learning environment that prepares students for success in the culinary arts.

Courtney Alexander, Department Lead for Career and Technical Education.