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Christine Cornell, Culinary Arts Instructor at Southwest Career and Technical Education Center, has been named the 2024 ProStart Educator of the Year. This prestigious award honors exceptional ProStart educators who exhibit excellence in the classroom, along with passion, creativity, and a commitment to helping students explore opportunities in culinary arts and restaurant management. Chris is now a finalist for awards presented by The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation at the annual Educator of Excellence Awards in Denver, Colorado!
Two years ago, Chris Cornell received the Rachael Ray Foundation’s ProStart Grow Grant for her proposal to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the culinary arts. This grant allowed her to purchase new equipment and expand students’ experiences into other cultures. For example, after teaching a unit on Japanese cuisine, she took her students to a Japanese restaurant. She also acquired hydroponics equipment to teach students about cultivating their own food.
Last year, Mrs. Cornell was awarded an FDA Professional Development Program in Food Science grant, which provided her with the opportunity to learn new lessons about food science and share them with her colleagues and students. Mrs. Cornell is an exceptional teacher, not only because of her ability to deliver outstanding lessons but also because she creates a welcoming environment in her classroom from day one. She meets students where they are and helps them grow. Using humor, she connects with students who are often hard to reach, while maintaining high expectations for all.
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In addition to her teaching excellence, Mrs. Cornell has taken on the role of mentor teacher within the Southwest Tech building over the past year. In this role, she supports new teachers in career and technical education, helping them manage their mental health and reduce the frustration that often accompanies the first year of teaching.
With this award, Mrs. Cornell has earned the respect of her peers across New York State and beyond. This year, she will be traveling to promote and elevate culinary practices throughout the U.S.