POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
 February 6, 2026
 

POSITION: Culinary Arts Teacher

LOCATION:  Westover High School

JOB SUMMARY:
The Dougherty County School System is seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Culinary Arts Teacher to provide students with hands-on instruction in food preparation, nutrition, kitchen safety, and culinary techniques. The teacher will prepare students for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries by delivering engaging, standards-based instruction that blends theory with real-world application. The Culinary Arts Teacher will foster a safe, structured, and professional kitchen environment while promoting creativity, teamwork, and industry readiness.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Clear renewable certificate in Family and Consumer Sciences, Culinary Arts, Hospitality, or related field (as required by the Georgia PSC); or meet charter waiver requirements;
2. Previous experience teaching culinary arts and/or working in a professional food service environment;
3. Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe preferred);
4. Ability to integrate career readiness, employability skills, and industry-recognized credentials into instruction (e.g., ServSafe, ProStart, or other applicable culinary credentials);
5. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  

1. Strong classroom and kitchen management skills;
2. Ability to plan, organize, and execute hands-on culinary labs safely and effectively;
3. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
4. Ability to analyze student performance data and adjust instruction accordingly;
5. Ability to collaborate effectively with CTAE leadership, work-based learning staff, and business/industry partners;
6. Ability to serve as a professional role model and mentor for students.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides instruction in culinary fundamentals, including food preparation, cooking techniques, nutrition, menu planning, and presentation;
2. Teaches and enforces proper kitchen safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures;
3. Implements a curriculum aligned with Georgia standards, CTAE requirements, and industry expectations;
4. Plans and supervises hands-on laboratory activities and student culinary projects;
5. Supports student attainment of industry-recognized credentials associated with the Culinary Arts Pathway (e.g., ServSafe, ProStart, or other applicable certifications);
6. Maintains a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and classroom environment;
7. Manages culinary equipment, tools, and inventory responsibly;
8. Incorporates employability skills, teamwork, professionalism, and workplace expectations into daily instruction;
9. Collaborates with CTAE leadership, business and industry partners, and work-based learning staff to support authentic, career-connected learning experiences;
10. Evaluates student progress and provides timely feedback;
11. Communicates effectively with parents, administrators, and industry partners as needed;
12. Supervises students during instructional and non-instructional activities related to the program;
13. Performs other such duties as needed or assigned by the supervisor.
     

REPORTS TO:  Principal

SALARY RANGE:  Competitive salary and excellent benefits package in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: A review of applicants will begin on February 13, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

 INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.

THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY

The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.
Dougherty County School System uses the Applitrack system from Frontline to manage employment applications online.
 

 THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.

The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations. Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.

About Us:
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocates for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle, and 3 high schools), five learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University, and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.

Important Note:
This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.