At Lindbergh High School, Mrs. Miller’s cooking class offers students essential culinary skills while fostering creativity, teamwork, and practical life lessons. Covering everything from food preparation and kitchen safety to experimentation, the class provides a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
Mrs. Miller believes in balancing structure with creativity in her classroom. “A structured environment helps students stay focused, but I also encourage them to innovate with their dishes. It’s about teaching the basics while letting them experiment and explore their personal style,” she explains. By sharing her own culinary creativity, she inspires students to push boundaries and experiment with flavors and techniques.
One of her proudest teaching moments was introducing students to baking crumble cookies. “The recipe is simple yet versatile, allowing students to customize their creations. It’s so rewarding to see them take ownership and pride in their results,” she says. Alongside encouraging creativity, Mrs. Miller places a strong emphasis on safety and cleanliness. “The first two weeks are dedicated to safety—from knife handling to proper handwashing. Students must pass a safety test to ensure they’re prepared to succeed safely and confidently.”
To keep lessons engaging, Mrs. Miller teaches step-by-step and prioritizes hands-on learning. “When students see the process unfold and create something themselves, it excites them and motivates further learning,” she notes. Staying current with culinary trends, she frequently watches cooking shows, explores food blogs, and consults industry professionals. “Food evolves constantly, and I want my students to feel connected to those changes.”
Through her thoughtful teaching approach, Mrs. Miller helps students gain confidence and life skills. “Cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. These lessons stay with them forever.”