Gold Medal Classroom (GMC) is a culinary educator’s regular and reliable resource. Each month instructors discover informative articles focusing on topics from flavor trends to new applications ready for teaching in culinary kitchens. Culinary columnists present ideas on teaching students at all levels, from high school to four-year degree programs as well as topics which appeal to program directors and deans.

Miss an edition and you may have bypassed valuable, useable information. Many articles contain links to additional resources such as web sites and videos that may be helpful in classroom instruction.

Peruse the list of 2018 GMC articles. Read stories you may have missed or refresh yourself on columns you found interesting. Look for features that focus on the movers and shakers in the culinary industry, tips and ideas for classroom instruction, and instructional resources from the foodservice industry.

Did you miss any articles from the new-this-year series, Meet the Growers? If so, look through that section and discover where food comes from.
Think Tank, 50 Minute Classroom, Mayo’s Clinic and David Pazmino’s Guest Column series are indexed and available for you to read, re-read and learn something new.

Each month CAFE sends an edition announcement informing you there are new stories on the website www.CafeMeetingPlace.com. If you are not receiving these emails, please click here to register for the notice. You won’t miss another GMC story in 2019!

To see the 2018 GMC Features and Highlights, go to https://cafemeetingplace.com/features/item/1889-gold-medal-classroom-2018-article-index

Ready for the holiday break?

I hope you enjoy your well-earned break which is about ready to start! Enjoy the spirits of the holiday season and while you are making New Year’s Resolutions, don’t forget to make plans for your professional growth!

March 15-17, 2019
Deans and Directors Retreat

June 20-22, 2019
15th Annual CAFE Leadership Conference

What's new? Looking from 2018 to 2019

• Our CAFE members have had a great start reading the “Journal for Culinary Education Best Practices.” This month’s feature talks about cracking the code as to what makes a great teacher (industry experience? Education? Other?) To read this article and the past articles, become a member by clicking here.
• Our Deans and Directors Retreat continues to grow and bring together thought leaders in addition to sharing culinary education innovations across the country. Attendees are guaranteed to learn from each other as well as expand their network. For registration, click here.
• Our upcoming Leadership Conference will feature both new and returning speakers on a variety of topics. Attendees will hear from industry trend setters as well as best practices in culinary education. There are hands-on master classes; a fantastic opening night reception (where you can bring guests); and an InfoFair where all in attendance are wanting to share their educational materials with you. New voices help keep this event exciting each year! To register, click here.
• CAFE’s website and online magazine are constantly evolving to provide visitors to the site with relevant information for their jobs as culinary/baking/pastry educators. This resource is free and is accessible to all levels of educational facilities. Go to www.CafeMeetingPlace.com

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2019

February 11, 2019
Hotel Deadline, Dean and Directors Retreat

March 15-17, 2019
Deans and Directors Retreat, Charleston, SC

April 1, 2019
Award Applications Due

June 20-22, 2019
15th Annual CAFE Leadership Conference, Charlotte, NC

Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food: Sponsor of TWO Awards

• Green Award: Recognizes culinary programs that promote and incorporate sustainability efforts as part of their curriculum and operations. Click here for information about the Green Award
• Food Entrepreneurship Award: Identifies culinary programs that either 1) teach or encourage entrepreneurship in their programming or 2) implement revenue-generation and cost-savings into their operations. Click here for information about the Entrepreneurship Award

Idaho Potato Commission Innovation Awards

CAFE is proud to be partnering with the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) once again as they sponsor the Innovation Awards for 2019.

This Award recognizes educators and/or programs at both the secondary and postsecondary levels who have shown to be innovative in their approaches to effective culinary arts education.

Examples of innovations can be in the areas of:

• New programs or
• New delivery methods or
• New partnerships or
• New relations with the local community

Click here for more information about the Innovations Award.

Sysco Educator of the Year Award

Thanks to Sysco for again sponsoring the Educator of the Year Award for 2019! This award is open to secondary and postsecondary educators as well as culinary educators working within the non-profit training sector. There will be two awards given.

The Committee will be looking for:

• a description of methodologies that exemplify innovative teaching techniques. Give examples.
• evidence of the educator’s professional commitment to the educational community and foodservice industry which might include school committee work, professional networking, and community involvement.
• a resume with the application.
• descriptions of ongoing professional development in both instructional and technical skills in the last few years.
• overall evidence that the educator has proven leadership in his/her profession; examples may include peer reviews, student evaluations, letters of recommendation, certificates and honors received, etc.

For more information about the Educator of the Year Awards, click here.