Culinary Arts Instructor
--29dines, a project of Community Partners--
Job Description: Lead Teacher (Grades TK-6)
Position: Teacher
Program: Harvest and Thrive
Location: Multiple school sites in the Morongo Basin
Duration: 2025 - 2026 School Year (October 12 - July 11)
Overview:
The Lead Teacher will be responsible for delivering an engaging, hands-on curriculum in culinary arts, nutrition education, and sustainable agriculture for students in grades TK-6 as part of the Harvest and Thrive after school program. The ideal candidate will have a passion for fostering student learning, creativity, and wellness while incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) principles. The Lead Teacher will guide students in developing essential skills in food awareness, teamwork, and healthy habits in a fun and supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Curriculum Delivery: Teach hands-on activities that explore culinary arts, nutrition, and sustainable farming. Create an interactive classroom environment that aligns with California State Standards.
- Student Engagement: Foster a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to participate, explore, and develop new skills.
- Assessment & Feedback: Monitor student progress through pre/post assessments, skills demonstration rubrics, and reflective journals. Provide constructive feedback to enhance student growth.
- Classroom Management: Create and maintain a safe, supportive, and organized classroom environment. Ensure that all activities are executed effectively, with a focus on student safety and engagement.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other teachers, ELOP assistants, and staff to create a cohesive, interdisciplinary learning experience. Share insights and strategies for improving student participation and outcomes.
- Mentorship: Provide guidance and support to ELOP assistants, ensuring that all students receive the necessary help and supervision throughout the program.
Qualifications:
- Experience teaching grades TK-6, ideally in a hands-on or experiential learning environment.
- California Food Handlers Card
- Knowledge of nutrition, culinary arts, and sustainable farming is highly preferred.
- Strong communication, organizational, and classroom management skills.
- Ability to engage diverse learners and adapt lessons to meet varying developmental needs.
- Passion for student wellness and social-emotional learning.
- Experience with California State Standards for health education, science, and English Language Arts is a plus.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Training and resources provided by 29 Dines.
Curriculum & Instruction
Deliver hands-on, standards-aligned lessons in culinary arts, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
- Facilitate interactive, student-centered learning experiences
- Adapt lessons for TK–6 developmental stages
- Incorporate SEL, food systems, and California Health/Nutrition standards
- Implement pre/post assessments and journaling activities
Collaboration & Mentorship
Work in partnership with teaching teams and assistants to support whole-child learning.
- Lead ELOP assistants and support staff during activities
- Share strategies and student observations with peers
- Support interdisciplinary instruction and co-facilitated workshops
- Build relationships that promote trust, teamwork, and consistency
- California Food Handlers Certification
Classroom Management & Wellness
Create a structured, emotionally safe, and joyful environment for diverse learners.
- Manage classroom routines, materials, and transitions
- Promote health, hygiene, and safety protocols (including culinary safety)
- Cultivate student wellness through positive reinforcement and SEL techniques
- Respond to varying student needs with patience and creativity
What's great about this role?
- Be part of a passionate, purpose-driven team rooted in food, culture, and creativity
- No outdated systems or rigid rules—just flexibility, autonomy, and support
- Teach meaningful, hands-on lessons that nourish students’ minds and bodies
- Collaborate with artists, chefs, educators, and wellness leaders across the region
- Create content and experiences that leave a lasting impact—every single day
- Step into a role with real trust, responsibility, and space to grow
Our Mission
What We Offer
Every educator plays a vital role in helping students thrive through food, wellness, and hands-on enrichment. You’ll join a community-centered team that values impact, creativity, and care.
Perks
- A flexible part-time position with competitive compensation
- Work at one of 11 local elementary school sites
- Be part of a growing network of food justice and enrichment leaders
Trainings
- Monthly professional development in SEL, garden education, and culinary safety
- Ongoing curriculum support, materials provided
- Paid prep time included
Community Activities
- Participate in school-wide events and seasonal student showcases
- Engage families through cooking demos, food tastings, and garden installations
- Be part of something rooted in love, joy, and justice
Eat & Drink
- Enjoy fresh produce and snacks during sessions
- Taste student-prepared meals
- Collaborate with fellow facilitators who care about food, culture, and equity
