How do you create an inclusive culinary classroom?

1 Know your students

The first step to creating an inclusive culinary classroom is to get to know your students as individuals and as a group. Learn about their personal and professional goals, their dietary restrictions and allergies, their cultural and religious affiliations, and their prior experiences and knowledge of cooking. Use surveys, interviews, or icebreakers to gather this information and use it to tailor your curriculum, assignments, and feedback to their interests and needs.

2 Explore different cuisines

One of the best ways to celebrate diversity and foster inclusion in a culinary classroom is to explore different cuisines from around the world. Introduce your students to the history, geography, ingredients, techniques, and traditions of various regions and cultures, and encourage them to try new flavors, dishes, and styles. Invite guest speakers, chefs, or community members to share their stories and recipes, or organize field trips, potlucks, or tastings to expose your students to different culinary scenes.

3 Encourage collaboration

Another way to create an inclusive culinary classroom is to encourage collaboration among your students. Assign group projects, presentations, or competitions that require them to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other. Provide opportunities for peer feedback, mentoring, and support, and create a positive and respectful environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Use cooperative learning strategies, such as jigsaw, think-pair-share, or round robin, to promote interaction and engagement.

4 Address bias and stereotypes

A crucial aspect of creating an inclusive culinary classroom is to address bias and stereotypes that may exist in the food industry or society at large. Educate yourself and your students about the history and impact of colonialism, racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of oppression and discrimination on food production, distribution, and consumption. Challenge assumptions, myths, and generalizations about certain cuisines, ingredients, or techniques, and acknowledge the diversity and complexity within and across cultures. Use inclusive language, materials, and examples, and avoid appropriating or exoticizing other cultures.

5 Celebrate achievements

Finally, creating an inclusive culinary classroom means celebrating the achievements and contributions of your students and the culinary community. Recognize and reward your students for their efforts, progress, and creativity, and showcase their work to others. Invite feedback and suggestions from your students on how to improve your teaching and the course. Highlight the achievements and innovations of chefs, writers, activists, and organizations from different backgrounds, perspectives, and specialties, and inspire your students to pursue their own culinary passions and goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?