Restaurant Chef >>> Chef Instructor ?

IronChefATL · #1 03-27-2008, 06:39 AM

Could somebody help to fill me in on the steps to being qualified for a chef instructors position.
We have a good (so I hear) community college program here, plus LCB (wouldnt work there), and an Art Institute. The idea of teaching in the community college really excites me.
I have about 10 total years experience and an AOS degree.
At some point I recall that seeing the CHE requires two years as a Chef. I will have been The Chef (

) in December of this year for 2 years.
Is CHE necessary?
I am really ignorant in this subject, and really feeling I need to investigate. So any links to reading, and so on would be greatly appreciated. As well as experiences, and anything else.
Should I just drive up to the Community College and talk to somebody? Is it hard to get into....I dont see many (any really) job postings for Culinary Instructors.
Thanx Yall

Chef Roux · #2 03-27-2008, 09:43 PM

I've been an instructor at a community college for 15 years now. You may want to check with the director of the school you are interested in. Most are usually looking for adjunct instructors at least. A bit more industry experience at a mid to high level (exec sous or exec)is mostly what is desired. CHE is a good certification to have for teaching related credentials however you may want to look into ACF certifications. ACF is usually the accepted industry standard and my be a requirement for hire. They have chef specific certifications (CC, CWC, CSC, CCC, CEC etc.) as well as CCE(certified culinary educator).

chefbrianb · #3 03-27-2008, 09:57 PM

You should definitely check with the specific school. There is a huge range of what specific schools deem acceptable certification/experience to be an instructor.

RAS1187 · #4 03-27-2008, 09:57 PM

I am not an instructor, but what I have heard is that alot of schools seek applicants with at least a BA.

foodpump · #5 03-28-2008, 10:12 AM

In my experience with Ai (arts inst) they require at least a Bach. degree,--some kind of University degree. I was not impressed with the Head of Dept, as he had a degree in Pol Science (oxymoron?) and very little actual cooking experience, many of his instructors had good experience, but did not have the university degree he demanded from me.

Teaching adults is different from teaching school children. In my neck of the woods (Vancouver) it is only required that you have a Instructor's diploma (aprox 3 mth course) for any trade based adult program. For kids you need a Bach. of Education