Educator, Elementary School

Company Description

Cooking with Kids, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides joyful, hands-on food education for children and families, with a focus on healthy, affordable ingredients. Working in partnership with schools, educators, parents, and community organizations, the program brings cooking experiences to 33 schools across northern New Mexico, reaching more than 8,000 elementary‑aged children each year. Its embedded educator program is integrated into the school day and builds on research showing that children need repeated, positive exposure to new foods to accept them.

Cooking with Kids helps address barriers related to poverty and food access by creating a classroom‑to‑kitchen bridge that supports families in building lasting relationships with nutritious food. Children in the program gain cooking skills, confidence, and an understanding of the connections between food, culture, and community in a supportive learning environment.

The Educator is a part‑time, flexible on‑site role based in Santa Fe and/or Espanola, NM, responsible for delivering Cooking with Kids lessons to elementary school students. Day‑to‑day responsibilities include planning and teaching hands‑on cooking and food education classes, preparing ingredients and classroom materials, and maintaining a safe, clean, and engaging learning environment. The Educator collaborates with school staff and other team members to integrate curriculum into the school schedule, align lessons with educational standards, and support family engagement activities when needed.

This role involves modeling positive attitudes toward nutritious foods, encouraging student participation, and adapting instruction to diverse learning needs and backgrounds. The Educator also contributes to program evaluation by tracking classroom activities, documenting outcomes, and providing feedback to improve curriculum and teaching practices.

• Strong teaching and education experience, including classroom management and working with elementary‑aged children.
• Lesson planning and training skills to design, organize, and deliver effective hands‑on learning experiences.
• Clear, respectful communication skills for engaging students, families, educators, and community partners.
• Ability to support nutrition education and culturally responsive, inclusive food‑related learning.
• Experience in experiential or project‑based learning environments is beneficial.
• Comfort with basic cooking skills and food safety practices in a classroom setting.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and serving communities impacted by food insecurity.
• High school diploma required; associate or bachelor's degree in Education, Nutrition, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and move supplies, and travel between local school sites as needed.