Culinary Teacher – Whitney Hall School
Hamden, CT | Full-Time | Exempt
Shape Brighter Futures Through Education
The Children’s Center of Hamden is seeking a dedicated Culinary Teacher for our Whitney Hall School program. In this role, you’ll develop and deliver engaging Culinary Arts instruction within a special education environment, helping students build practical life skills, workplace readiness, independence, and confidence. Through hands-on learning experiences in the classroom, commercial kitchen, and school pizza truck, you’ll support students in achieving their educational and vocational goals while preparing them for future success.
Why Join Us?
At The Children’s Center of Hamden, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team where all of our teachers are valued and supported every step of the way. We know the importance of providing you with the tools and resources you need to succeed in the classroom — and to grow in your career.
High Staff-to-Student Ratios & Small Class Sizes – Enjoy the ability to provide individualized instruction and build meaningful connections with students in a supportive classroom environment.
Outstanding Classroom Support – You’ll have the help of skilled paraprofessionals and the guidance of an experienced Instructional Coach, ensuring you always have the resources and mentorship you need in the classroom.
Competitive Compensation & Stipends – Ability to earn additional income during the Extended School Year (ESY) program
Retirement & Long-Term Security – Our positions are Teacher’s Retirement Eligible and also include access to a 403(b)-retirement savings plan and Social Security benefits—helping you build a strong financial future.
Tuition Loans & Career Growth – Invest in your future with interest-free tuition loans, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities that help you advance and specialize.
Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and wellness programs. On one of our medical plan options, The Children’s Center covers 90% of the employee premium and contributes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), making quality healthcare affordable and accessible.
️ Generous Paid Time Off – Sick, personal time, and school breaks so you can recharge and maintain balance.
Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture – Be part of a school community dedicated to student success and teacher well-being.
What You’ll Do
As a Culinary Teacher, you will:
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Develop and deliver Culinary Arts lessons aligned with IEP goals and Connecticut state standards.
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Teach cooking, baking, food safety, nutrition, and meal preparation using hands-on instruction.
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Oversee daily Culinary Program activities, including classroom kitchen projects and the school pizza truck.
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Support students’ vocational skill development, independence, and career readiness.
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Collaborate with school staff, residential staff, related service providers, and community partners.
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Maintain student records, progress reports, substitute plans, and required documentation.
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Create a safe, structured, and engaging classroom environment.
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Participate in meetings, trainings, PPTs, and staff development activities.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
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Holds or is immediately eligible to obtain Connecticut Family and Consumer Sciences Certification, PK-12 (#045)
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If not certified, eligibility for a Durational Shortage Area Permit (DSAP) will be considered.
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Bachelor’s degree inFamily and Consumer Sciences, Culinary Arts, Education, or a related field required.
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Experience working with students with special needs preferred.
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Strong classroom management and ability to foster student engagement.
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Knowledge of instructional planning and student assessment.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
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Ability to perform physical tasks including standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
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Active supervision and participation in classroom, commercial kitchen, and mobile food truck environments.
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Ability to perform repetitive motions, pushing, and pulling as required in food preparation and instructional activities.
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Potential exposure to bodily fluids, waste, allergenic conditions, and other environmental hazards common in school and culinary settings.
Join Our Team
If you’re passionate about teaching culinary skills, promoting independence, and helping students with diverse learning needs prepare for successful futures, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape brighter futures at Whitney Hall School!
The Children’s Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
