Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Culinary Instructor

Are you are planning to become a culinary instructor?  There are requirements to complete and steps to follow if this is your goal.

If you are an experienced culinary professional like a chef, baker, or caterer, becoming a culinary instructor could be a great next step for you. On the other hand, if you have just started your career in the culinary industry, you should be aware that it will take some time before you can be ready to train students who want to be professionals in the field of culinary.

Though it will take a while, you can succeed at your goal by completing the requirements necessary to become a culinary trainer. Below are some things that you be aware of and do to achieve your dream career.

First of all, you must obtain a degree in culinary, if you haven’t done so yet. Keep in mind that you must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts to be qualified to teaching subjects in the culinary area. It would be even better if you have obtained a Master’s degree before applying to be an instructor.

You can acquire your culinary degree in the university or college of your choice. Degrees are even offered online now, so you have more ways to complete coursework. After getting a degree, the next requirement is approximately 3-5 years of work experience in the field of culinary arts. This is one of the most important items necessary to be accepted for teaching positions.

Additionally, maximize your qualifications by developing your skills in every facet of baking and cooking. By doing this, you possess valuable expertise you can pass on to your students when you start your career in culinary instruction.

Here is a summary of requirements necessary to achieve a position as a culinary instructor:

• ­Degree level – most culinary schools prefer instructors to have a bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• Major or degree- there are colleges or universities that do not indicate the field completed but usually, they require instructors to be culinary arts majors. Though this is the case, there are schools that accept hospitality graduate majors as well.
• Work experience- you must have 3-5 years professional culinary working experience. If you have been a head chef or executive chef, that’s even better.
• License and certification – of course, you need to obtain a teaching license. You can get your certificate or license from the culinary federation in your country.    
• Skills- you must have strong culinary demonstration and communication skills to be effective as a teacher.

If you intend to teach via an online school, you will be required to have computer skills, specifically, in instructional software and online learning course software.

If you have been employed in the culinary field for some time, further boost your experience by teaching in community centers or other local venues. In this way you will help others through applying your knowledge and teaching skills. This is good practice for you and a nice addition to your resume.

With all of these items in hand, begin looking at top culinary cooking schools or online culinary arts colleges and apply to start a rewarding career in the teaching sector. Take note, you may also be asked to show a sample lesson plan when you apply for work as a culinary instructor so be ready with this as well as references and a great resume before you submit your application. If you are successful and score the job, you can look forward to a high salary in addition to the prestige that you gain from teaching.