Food service vocational teacher
Also known as: cooking instructor, vocational teacher in food service, food technology teacher, teacher of food and hospitality, food service vocational instructor, vocational instructor in food service
About this occupation
Food service vocational teachers for food service instruct students in their specialised field of study, food service, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a food service-related profession. Food service vocational teachers monitor the students' progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of food service through assignments, tests and examinations.
A specialisation of vocational teacher.
Essential skills and knowledge
- work in vocational school
- observe student's progress
- food hygiene rules
- curriculum objectives
- adapt teaching to student's capabilities
- manage student relationships
- develop course outline
- prepare lesson content
- assist students in their learning
- adapt instruction to labour market
- assessment processes
- monitor developments in field of expertise
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary (O*NET 25-1194.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Observe and evaluate students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement.
- Present lectures and conduct discussions to increase students' knowledge and competence using visual aids, such as graphs, charts, videotapes, and slides.
- Supervise and monitor students' use of tools and equipment.
- Administer oral, written, or performance tests to measure progress and to evaluate training effectiveness.
- Provide individualized instruction and tutorial or remedial instruction.
- Prepare reports and maintain records, such as student grades, attendance rolls, and training activity details.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Investigative, Realistic
Top skills: Active Listening, Learning Strategies, Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$63,820 a year (2025), 114,110 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.7)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.2)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
- Instructional Coordinators
- Training and Development Specialists
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Tutors
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.