Cooking Class Instructor

Cooking Class Instructor

Position Overview

The Cooking Class Instructor is responsible for delivering engaging, educational, and entertaining hands-on culinary experiences for guests of all skill levels. Instructors lead classes ranging from beginner cooking techniques to advanced culinary and baking classes, while creating a fun, welcoming, and professional learning environment.

This position combines culinary expertise with teaching ability, customer service, and leadership. Instructors are expected to inspire confidence in students, maintain a safe and organized kitchen, and ensure every guest leaves having learned new skills while enjoying an exceptional experience.

Essential ResponsibilitiesCulinary Instruction

• Plan and lead hands-on cooking classes following approved menus and recipes.
• Demonstrate proper cooking techniques, knife skills, food preparation, and plating.
• Clearly explain recipes, culinary terminology, and cooking methods to students of all skill levels.
• Encourage guest participation while ensuring a positive and enjoyable learning environment.
• Adapt teaching style to accommodate varying experience levels.
• Answer guest questions professionally and accurately throughout class.

Classroom Leadership

• Direct and supervise Cooking Class Stewards during class preparation, execution, and cleanup.
• Ensure all classroom stations are properly set up before guests arrive.
• Maintain class pacing to keep events running on schedule.
• Monitor guest safety while using knives, ovens, stovetops, and other equipment.
• Create a welcoming, energetic, and engaging atmosphere.
• Resolve guest concerns professionally and promptly.

Food Preparation & Quality

• Review recipes and ingredient lists prior to each class.
• Ensure all food is prepared and presented according to company standards.
• Maintain consistency in food quality and presentation.
• Monitor food temperatures and safe food handling practices.
• Minimize food waste through proper planning and portion control.
• Assist with menu development and recipe testing as requested.

Guest Experience

• Welcome guests and introduce the class agenda.
• Create an enjoyable, interactive, and educational experience.
• Encourage participation while making guests feel comfortable and confident.
• Promote upcoming classes, private events, gift cards, retail products, and special events when appropriate.
• Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude at all times.

Kitchen Operations

• Ensure classrooms remain organized and clean throughout class.
• Verify that ingredients and equipment are ready before class begins.
• Inspect equipment for cleanliness and proper operation.
• Communicate inventory shortages to management.
• Assist with organizing storage areas and maintaining kitchen equipment.

Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all Knox County Health Department regulations.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Ensure guests follow safe knife handling and cooking procedures.
• Properly label and store food products.
• Report equipment or safety concerns immediately.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Arrive early to review class setup and preparation.
• Review recipes and class materials prior to teaching.
• Complete any required paperwork and inventory documentation.
• Assist management with curriculum updates and new class development.
• Participate in staff meetings and instructor training sessions.

QualificationsRequired

• Minimum of 3 years of professional culinary experience or equivalent culinary education and teaching experience.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, and kitchen equipment.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Passion for teaching and mentoring others.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Professional appearance and excellent personal hygiene.
• Ability to organize and lead groups of up to 40 participants.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as class schedules require.
• Successful completion of the Knox County Health Department Food Safety Course (or equivalent food safety certification).

Preferred But Not Required

• Culinary degree or formal culinary training.
• Previous teaching or culinary instruction experience.
• Experience leading demonstrations or public presentations.
• Experience in banquet, restaurant, catering, or hospitality operations.

Desired Skills

• Excellent leadership abilities
• Strong organizational skills
• Professional and engaging presentation style and appearance
• Ability to motivate and encourage students
• Excellent time management
• Positive attitude and team-oriented mindset
• Creativity and enthusiasm for culinary education
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Adaptability under pressure
• Commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk for 4–8 hours.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, reach, kneel, and work safely around hot equipment.
• Safely operate knives, ovens, stovetops, mixers, and commercial kitchen equipment.
• Work comfortably in a warm kitchen environment.

Success in This Position

A successful Cooking Class Instructor is an outstanding chef, educator, and host. They combine culinary expertise with enthusiasm, professionalism, and exceptional people skills to create memorable experiences for every guest. They inspire confidence, make learning enjoyable, maintain the highest standards of food quality and safety, and help ensure every class reflects the excellence and hospitality of The Cutting Edge Classroom.

Pay: $20.00 - $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 5.0 – 15.0 per week

Experience:

• Chef: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person