Career Institute North (CIN), one of three Dallas ISD career institutes, is no ordinary high school. It’s an educational ecosystem where students delve into a number of practicum courses and graduate with up to four certifications in highly employable fields.
Culinary Arts at CIN
When it comes to culinary arts, many think of elaborate, complicated meals found in a restaurant, but for Career Institute North students, it’s going back to the basics. Every day, they learn what it means to take care of a kitchen and how to prepare balanced, nutritional meals for themselves or to share with loved ones.
“My students learn many skills that are used in day-to-day life such as punctuality, patience, perseverance, organization, teamwork, cleanliness/sanitation, and of course, cooking,” said teacher and chef William Milligan. “My students are obsessed with tacos, pizza, and french fries.”
Chef Milligan, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu, is a seasoned professional with experience working in premier hotels and restaurants. Since many of his proteges are special education students, he finds it important to give them valuable life skills while keeping things fun by taking requests for meals his students are interested in making.
”I hope my students come away knowing the basic principles of cooking and sanitation. I want them to learn teamwork and being respectful to others around them,” Milligan said. “I love seeing the students excited when we’re cooking, seeing their faces light up when they understand something. Teaching and feeding people are the most personal and satisfying things one can do.”
At CIN, students spend half a day every other day immersed in a unique, innovative approach to education that sets them apart in the competitive job market. Classes are led by industry leaders with years of experience, and students learn through labs, internships, or independent study. CIN serves five Dallas ISD campuses: Conrad, Hillcrest, North Dallas, Thomas Jefferson, and W.T. White high schools.
Interested in learning about CIN and other career institutes in Dallas ISD? Visit dallasisd.org/careerinstitutes or contact careerinstitutes@dallasisd.org.
