Pam Klink
I am an AACPS: Teacher, Center of Applied Technology South | 2018 AACPS Teacher of the Year Finalist
Always inspired by creativity, I attended art school after high school where they were honest to their students about the small percentage of fine artists who make a living solely on their work. Deciding to take the practical path by switching to culinary school was one of the best decisions I have made. I found a career that allowed me to express my creativity in a thriving industry. Happiness doing something you enjoy that also happens to provide a steady paycheck is my definition of success, and I found it. After 23 years in the culinary industry wearing various hats such as executive pastry chef, cook, server, and general manager, I recognized how much fulfillment I had training students who worked with me and began the steps necessary for a teaching career.
I am getting ready to start my 6th year teaching at Center of Applied Technology South as the Culinary Arts teacher and cannot believe my fortune; I have found another career I love. Through my career experiences, I have developed a set of standards I hope to achieve with my classes to create employable citizens. Of course, I want my students to learn the culinary knowledge and skills needed to prepare them for either college or a career in foodservice after high school. Most importantly though, I want students to become self-motivated individuals with a strong work ethic, and I want them to value the importance of professional growth, collaboration, and teamwork in all industries. Regardless what careers they ultimately choose, these skills will be the ones most recognized by their employers, so I work them into every lesson. I seek to learn something new every day and try to motivate my students to do the same. I also encourage flexibility, because change and readjusting goals can help them evolve with innovation, cope with restructuring, or help them pursue careers best suited for themselves. We like to have fun while learning, which helps students learn hard work doesn’t have to be dull.
Radiation oncologist O. Carl Simonton said, “Goals are simply tools to focus your energy in positive directions, these can be changed as your priorities change, new ones added, and others dropped.” I keep a copy of this quote on my desk for the students to see because I want them to know it is okay to change their minds after all possibilities are weighed, but not to take it too lightly. It’s important to put effort into anything you do, but the desire for growth will keep things interesting even if it just means getting better at your chosen career. I want students to leave school and lead productive lives, but I also want them to be happy doing it.
