On March 13, 2025, Chef A was named Teacher of the Year, recognized by teachers for going above and beyond in the classroom. Even students recognized the talents of Chef A, saying how she deserved the award because she’s awesome, one of the sweetest people to ever meet from the school (Marley, 25).
When asked what sparked her interest in culinary, Chef A recalls her childhood, “I traveled a lot as a kid since my dad was a pilot, so we got to experience different cultures and all kinds of food.” As that really sparked her interest in cooking, she also had a lot of good teachers that helped and inspired her. Her favorite part of teaching culinary is the relationship she builds with her students. Meeting students and having them stick with the course throughout high school is really special. She enjoys watching them take on new challenges and grow as a chef.
Marley (25) describes Chef A as super sweet and a teacher who is very dedicated to their job: “She makes it fun for us all. She’s an awesome person and gives great pep talks.”
While her classes focus more on technical skills than freeform creativity, her students still find ways to explore. “They get excited about making pizza and learning how to activate yeast, it’s definitely a favorite,” while her older kids love to make sushi. Among her most rewarding moments as a teacher, one stands out the most. For her third block class, Chef A teaches special education students and really enjoys watching them come out of their shell, get excited, and participate. Chef A remarks that, “it’s just a moment that makes teaching worth it.”
