The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan’s education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.

We are currently seeking a Culinary Instructor at the Career Connect Campus in Portage, Michigan. The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Align services with KRESA Core Values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity) and Culture & Belonging principles to engage and serve all students
Develop innovative instructional strategies tailored to culinary arts curriculum standards.
Partner with the Career Connect team and industry leaders to prepare state-of-the-art equipment, specific to your instructional area and related career field(s)
Foster interdisciplinary learning by designing cross-program projects that expose students to diverse career pathways
Play an integral role in recruitment efforts, summer campus programs, and promotional campaigns
Design engaging lessons leveraging the Career Connect Campus environment
Prepare students for industry credentials in culinary arts
Engage in instructional coaching for professional development
Design effective assessments to monitor student progress
Fulfill all necessary documentation requirements mandated by the Michigan Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education
Maintain communication with stakeholders and uphold instructional reliability
Collaborate with the Career Connect team on multifaceted projects to support first-year operations of the Career Connect Campus
Establish clear and consistent communication channels with students, parents/guardians, KRESA CTE staff, school counselors, and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability
Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance to uphold instructional consistency and reliability
Perform any additional duties as assigned by supervisory personnel

Qualified candidates will have one of the following State of Michigan certifications: State Secondary Provisional Certification with the CIP 12.0500 Culinary endorsement; CTE Certification or Occupational Education Certification with the CIP 12.0500 endorsement; OR Must be able to qualify for Annual Career Authorization which includes having two years (4,000 hours) of current, industry-related experience in the last ten years.

Qualified candidates will be required to have or ability to obtain upon hiring: ServSafe (Manager, Handler, Allergen). Preferred: Preferred: Certified Culinary Educator (CCE), Executive/Head Chef, or Professional Chef.

Other skills and abilities include:

Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to our core values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity), Culture & Belonging, and Continuous Improvement
Embraces and supports KRESA’s vision of a transformative, equitable and innovative education for all in the Greater Kalamazoo region
Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of identities and lived experiences
Ability to discuss differences with colleagues and clients in a manner that supports building positive working relationships
Ability to communicate effectively
Works in a team-oriented fashion
Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software
Ability to problem solve
Ability to read, analyze and interpret data
Practices safe work habits
Uses equipment and material properly

This is a 10 month calendar position in job grade 17 with an annual rate of pay between $43,110.00 and $90,996.00.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives – all within a supportive and caring culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.