Cooking Teacher

About Us: Ignite Achievement Academy is an accredited K-12 private school with two campuses in Charlotte, NC dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences for students with special needs. Our school is specifically designed to support students with speech and/or behavioral disabilities through personalized attention and comprehensive support. With small class sizes and a collaborative approach, we ensure each child receives the care and instruction they need to thrive.

Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Special Education Cooking Teacher to join our team. This position involves working with students with special needs, providing hands-on instruction in basic cooking skills while fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in culinary arts, a commitment to student development, and the ability to adapt instruction to meet diverse learning needs.

This position will spend time working with students at BOTH of our campuses:

• North Campus: 3835 W WT Harris Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28269
• South Campus: 6203 Carmel Rd. Charlotte, NC 28226

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement engaging, hands-on cooking projects that include basic food preparation, measuring, mixing, chopping, and using kitchen tools safely.
• Grocery shop (on paid time) for items to be used during the week by students during lessons.
• Teach students proper cooking techniques and kitchen safety procedures, ensuring a secure environment.
• Modify lessons to accommodate students with various abilities, adapting tools and materials as needed.
• Foster independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills through structured and exploratory cooking activities.
• Instruct students in food presentation, nutrition, and meal preparation to complete cooking projects.
• Maintain and organize the kitchen area, utensils, and ingredients to ensure cleanliness and safety.
• Collaborate with special education staff, therapists, and support personnel to develop individualized strategies that align with students’ learning goals.
• Provide positive reinforcement and support to encourage student engagement and success.
• Assess and document student progress, adjusting instruction as necessary to meet learning objectives.
• Communicate with parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to share students' achievements and challenges.
• Uphold all school policies, safety protocols, and best practices for working with students with special needs.

• Associate's degree. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Teaching experience in a classroom or culinary setting. Teacher certification preferred.
• Experience working with students with special needs, particularly in a hands-on learning environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong knowledge of basic cooking skills, tools, and safety procedures.
• Ability to adapt instruction to diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with students with special needs.
• Stamina to actively engage with students throughout the school day and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Capability to perform tasks involving physical activities, including standing, walking, and bending.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Work Environment:

• This position requires standing for extended periods, working with kitchen tools and appliances, and maintaining a safe cooking environment.
• The work setting includes a classroom kitchen environment with hands-on activities.

Ignite Education Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.