LaKisha Jordan has been named the 2024 ProStart State Educator of Excellence by the South Dakota Retailers Association. ProStart is a high school curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership roles in culinary and restaurant settings. Jordan was recognized for her dedication to providing real-world experiences both inside and outside the classroom. She believes in cultivating culinary curiosity in her students by inspiring them to explore flavors and develop a passion for cooking.
As a ProStart culinary arts instructor at T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre, Jordan aims to ignite curiosity and creativity in her students. Through her Family and Consumer Sciences classes, students learn essential skills that they then apply during catering events and community cooking classes. Jordan’s commitment to teaching goes beyond just sharing recipes; she strives to instill a lifelong love for cooking and flavor exploration in her students.
Jordan’s approach to teaching culinary arts has been recognized for its impact on students and the community. By combining coursework with hands-on experience, she is able to provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for successful careers in the culinary industry. The award from the South Dakota Retailers Association is a testament to Jordan’s dedication and passion for teaching ProStart students the skills they need to succeed in the culinary world.