Freelance Teaching Cooking Classes Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Educational Alliance, a 136-year-old New York institution, is a vibrant, dynamic organization serving New Yorkers from all walks of life. We serve everyone regardless of the language they speak, where they come from, or their socioeconomic status. We believe that everyone should have a chance to live a better life and that arts and culture, education, health and wellness, and social services can help lay that foundation. 

The 14Y After School Program engages hands, heads, and hearts for children in K-5th grade attending schools across the East Village. After School is a neurodiverse community, and all staff members are responsible for supporting neurodivergent and neurotypical students to have a successful after school day. 

We are seeking a part-time After School Cooking Teacher who will be responsible for creating and implementing engaging, hands-on culinary programming for elementary-aged students. The Cooking Teacher fosters a fun, inclusive, and educational kitchen environment where students develop basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety skills, teamwork, and confidence through age-appropriate recipes and food-based activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

• Submit weekly lesson plans to the After School Program Manager using the provided template as well as a weekly ingredient and supply list to the After School Operations associate in advance to ensure all necessary ingredients and materials are available for class.

• Develop and facilitate engaging 45-minute weekly cooking classes for groups of up to 12 students, organized by age and inclusive of varying needs and abilities. 

• Design progressive culinary lessons that build skills over an 8-week enrichment quarter. 

• Teach age-appropriate cooking techniques, food preparation, kitchen safety, sanitation, and the proper use of kitchen equipment. 

• Encourage creativity, collaboration, and confidence while introducing students to a variety of recipes, ingredients, and cultural food traditions. 

• Incorporate After School values and seasonal themes rooted in Jewish sensibilities into cooking activities and recipes whenever appropriate. 

• Adapt lessons and recipes to accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and student abilities while maintaining a safe learning environment. 

Kitchen Operations and Logistics

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary cooking classroom and food preparation area in accordance with food safety standards. 

• Ensure all kitchen equipment, utensils, and supplies are cleaned, sanitized, stored, and maintained properly after each class. 

• Work with the After School Operations Associate and Program Manager to order ingredients and supplies while maintaining an organized inventory and balanced budget. 

• Monitor ingredient usage and minimize food waste whenever possible. 

• Exhibit strong organizational and time management skills to ensure classes begin and end on schedule. 

• Communicate regularly with the After School Program Manager and Inclusion Manager regarding student needs, allergies, accommodations, and concerns. 

Leadership and Supervision 

• Model professionalism, kitchen safety, and respectful behavior for students and staff at all times. 

• Supervise students closely during all food preparation and cooking activities to ensure a safe learning environment. 

• Attend required orientation sessions, trainings, and staff meetings. 

• Proactively solve problems and support colleagues throughout the program day while promoting flexibility and teamwork. 

• Establish and promote a commitment to the mission and vision of the Afterschool program. 

• Develop clear roles for Group Leaders during cooking instruction and classroom support. 

• Learn and implement Afterschool's restorative approach to supervision and behavior management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with elementary school-aged children. 

• Professional experience in culinary arts, cooking instruction, food service, or a related field. 

• Experience teaching cooking classes or leading culinary programs for children is preferred. 

• Knowledge of food safety, kitchen sanitation practices, and allergy awareness. 

• Excellent organizational and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to interact with children and colleagues from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Availability to work from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at least two day per week (ideally Tuesdays and Thursdays). 

• Availability to commit to at least the first half of the After School programmatic year, which runs from September 14th, 2026, through January 22nd , 2027 and January 25th - 

June 4th, 2027.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.  

Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org