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Culinary Instructor Jobs in Holyoke, MA (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

South Windsor, CT · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

You'll lead our culinary operations with creativity, passion, and precision. * Guide, mentor, and develop a talented kitchen team * Uphold our commitment to food quality, safety, and consistency

New

Executive Chef

South Windsor, CT · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

You'll lead our culinary operations with creativity, passion, and precision. * Guide, mentor, and develop a talented kitchen team * Uphold our commitment to food quality, safety, and consistency

The Head Chef will be responsible for the overall culinary operations, ensuring the preparation and presentation of balanced meals while fostering a supportive environment for both clients and staff.

The Head Chef will be responsible for the overall culinary operations, ensuring the preparation and presentation of balanced meals while fostering a supportive environment for both clients and staff.

The Head Chef will be responsible for the overall culinary operations, ensuring the preparation and presentation of balanced meals while fostering a supportive environment for both clients and staff.

Showing results 21-32

Culinary Instructor information

See Holyoke, MA salary details

$21.3K

$58.1K

$99.8K

How much do culinary instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary instructor in Holyoke, MA is $58,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $62,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a culinary instructor do?

A Culinary Instructor teaches students about cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen equipment, and various cuisines. They develop lesson plans, demonstrate recipes, and oversee hands-on practice to help students build practical culinary skills. Culinary Instructors may work in culinary schools, community colleges, or private cooking classes, and they often assess students' progress through exams or practical evaluations. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in the culinary industry or to improve their cooking abilities for personal use.

What is the difference between Culinary Instructor vs Pastry Chef?

AspectCulinary InstructorPastry Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesPastry arts certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, culinary schoolsRestaurants, bakeries, hotels
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, culinary schoolsFood service industry, hospitality
Primary FocusTeaching cooking techniques and recipesCreating and preparing baked goods and desserts

While both Culinary Instructors and Pastry Chefs have culinary expertise and certifications, Culinary Instructors focus on teaching cooking skills in educational settings, whereas Pastry Chefs specialize in baking and pastry creation in commercial kitchens. Their work environments and primary responsibilities differ, but both roles require strong culinary knowledge and passion for food.

What are some common challenges culinary instructors face when teaching diverse groups of students?

Culinary Instructors often teach students with varying skill levels, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles, which can make it challenging to ensure everyone keeps pace and feels included. Balancing hands-on instruction with classroom theory, maintaining kitchen safety, and managing time effectively during practical sessions are frequent hurdles. Additionally, adapting teaching methods to engage both beginners and advanced students requires flexibility and creativity. Successful instructors foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment while maintaining high standards and encouraging teamwork.

What is a culinary instructor?

As a culinary instructor, also called a chef instructor, you often teach in culinary arts programs where students train to work in professional kitchens. Your job duties as a culinary educator include preparing lesson plans and demonstrating cooking techniques. You supervise students as they practice their new skills and provide feedback on their execution. As a culinary instructor, you may teach general skills courses or specialized classes like butchery, sauces, or classes on regional cuisines. As students advance, you help cultivate professionalism in your students and help them prepare to work in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Instructor, you need advanced culinary expertise, teaching experience, and often a degree or certification from a culinary school. Familiarity with industry-standard kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and learning management systems is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality instruction, safe kitchen practices, and effective student engagement, which are crucial for student success and program reputation.

What job categories do people searching Culinary Instructor jobs in Holyoke, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Instructor jobs in Holyoke, MA are:

What cities near Holyoke, MA are hiring for Culinary Instructor jobs?

Cities near Holyoke, MA with the most Culinary Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Instructor job openings in Holyoke, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,093 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

EXECUTIVE CHEF - K-12 SCHOOLS

Compass Group

South Windsor, CT

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Salary:  $60000 - $65000

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

Are you an innovative culinary professional with boundless energy and a passion for excellence? Join us as the Executive Chef for our premiere K12 school district located in South Windsor, CT.  Reporting to the Director, successful candidate will lead kitchen operations with creativity and precision while encouraging a safe and sanitary work environment. This role presents an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, entrepreneurial culinary leader to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develops regular and specialty menus in line with K12 standards, ensuring adherence to portioning and presentation guidelines. 
  • Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols, promoting a culture of excellence.
  • Establishes and maintains thorough cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
  • Handles inventory of food and supplies, optimizing utilization while ensuring vital products are readily available. 
  • Ensures compliance with health and sanitation regulations through meticulous adherence to department procedures and participation in audits.
  • Actively participates in departmental meetings, staff development initiatives, and professional programs to stay abreast of industry trends.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate's degree desired or equivalent experience in culinary arts.
  • Two plus years of culinary/kitchen management experience, (with catering experience preferred).
  • Proven success in complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking.
  • Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by solid knowledge of food trends, emphasizing quality, production, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
  • Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and email systems.
  • Willingness to actively engage in client satisfaction programs and activities.
  • ServSafe certification is highly desirable, highlighting a commitment to food safety.


Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Req ID:  1558499

Chartwells K12 

JENNIFER HILL

 [[req_classification]] 


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