About Us
Kidinary Cooking Academy is a fun, mobile cooking school on a mission to change trends of childhood obesity through hands-on culinary education. We're a nut-free, allergy-friendly school that partners with parents to build practical daily life skills for a lifetime of wellness. We bring our classes directly to schools, libraries, park districts, and organizations across Illinois.
Position Summary
We're seeking enthusiastic Culinary Instructors to join our after-school team! In this role, you'll inspire young students to explore cooking while teaching fundamental culinary skills in a fun, safe environment. You'll teach at schools and partner locations across Plainfield, Naperville, and surrounding areas—bringing our mobile kitchen kits directly to the kids. Just you, the curriculum, and excited young chefs. Our program empowers students to build community friendships, cultivate culinary skills, explore with their creative minds, and learn foundational skills for lifelong wellness.
Location
- Plainfield, IL (is our primary base), Naperville, and surrounding Will County areas
Season: September through May (school year)
- Hours: Part-time, typically between 2:30–4:45 PM, Monday–Friday during the school year
- Flexible availability: Work 2+ days per week that fit your schedule
- Typically 1 class per day; occasional 2-class days during peak seasons or certain locations
- We assign classes near your home or work when possible
- Full commitment to 6–8 week sessions preferred
- Priority given to candidates available for the entire school year
- Additional hours may be available for those interested in more opportunities
Key Responsibilities
- Host engaging, 1-hour cooking classes for children in grades K-5 (and potentially grades 6-8)
- Guide children in preparing delicious and nutritious meals using provided lesson plans
- Create a friendly, energetic, and positive atmosphere for young chefs
- Manage classrooms of 8-12 children effectively and compassionately
- Engage students with various cooking and baking skills related to the menu
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment (setup/cleanup included in paid time)
- Set up cooking stations before class and clean up afterward
- Communicate effectively with team members and camp leadership
- Reinforce healthy eating habits and food knowledge
- Ensure all allergy protocols are strictly followed
- Provide first aid/CPR treatment if needed (certification preferred)
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Kind, compassionate, and patient demeanor with children
- Passion for cooking and a healthy lifestyle (no professional cooking experience required)
- Comfortable working with children in grades K-5 (experience with grades 6-8 is a plus)
- Strong Classroom management skills
- Reliable transportation and excellent punctuality
- Current Food Handler Certificate (or can be obtained before teaching)
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
- First aid/CPR certification preferred
Skills & Attributes
- Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment
- Upbeat personality with an infectious enthusiasm
- Strong communication skills with children of various ages
- Comfortable with basic cooking and baking techniques
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow lesson plans
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Adaptability to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Confidence speaking in front of groups with a clear, engaging voice
- Knowledge of special education techniques is a plus
What We Offer
- Pay structure: $50–$60 per 1-hour class + paid time for grocery shopping + full reimbursement for all groceries
- Example: A 1-hour class pays $50–$60, plus you're paid for the time you spend shopping for that week's ingredients, plus we reimburse every dollar you spend on groceries
- Flexible scheduling: Work days and times that fit your life
- All materials provided: Pre-planned lessons, mobile teaching kits with equipment and tools-you just shop for your own groceries each week.
- Paid training: Full training in our curriculum, safety protocols, and teaching approach
- Meaningful work: Contribute directly to children's health and well-being
- Supportive team environment: We pride ourselves on being accessible and available for our instructors if a need or question arises
- Opportunity to make a difference: Help shape children's relationship with food and healthy eating habits
- Room for growth: Opportunity for advancement for passionate, dedicated instructors
Why Join Us?
Be part of a meaningful mission to combat childhood obesity through fun, hands-on culinary education. Help shape the next generation's relationship with food. Work for a small, mission-driven business where your impact is visible and valued—not a corporate chain. We pride ourselves on being accessible and available for our instructors if a need or question arises.
Ideal Candidate
You are our ideal candidate if:
- You have a natural curiosity and passion for food and culinary education
- You're eager to engage with children and make cooking fun and accessible
- You communicate effectively with children of various ages
- You're comfortable with a range of basic cooking and baking techniques
- You enjoy the rewarding challenge of teaching practical life skills
- You believe in our mission of promoting healthy eating habits in children
- You are flexible, adaptable, and ready to jump in where needed
How to Apply
Submit an online resume through Indeed. If we're interested in learning more, we'll send you a detailed application to share more about your experience and teaching philosophy. Selected candidates will then be invited to meet with us for an interview.
We review applications on a rolling basis and look forward to meeting passionate educators who are excited about our mission!
Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- What days and hours are you available?
- Tell us 1-2 sentences: Why are you excited about teaching cooking to kids?
- Are you comfortable managing and engaging a group of 8-12 children independently? (Answe Options: Very Comfortable, Somewhat Comfortable, Not Sure, or No)
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Working with children: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Plainfield, IL (Required)
Work Location: In person
