About Us
Our Team
Our Impact
FAQs
News
Contact Us
Corporate Programs
 $

Recent Activity
 Mr. Natoli I teach Culiary Arts a Mar 20, 2011
Mr. Michael Natoli
Add Me as a Friend!
michael_natoli@apsva.us
http://
Career Center
Hometown:
Brooklyn, NY
Class Information:
Room Number: Kitchen 106
Students per Class: 50
Class Description:
I teach Culinary Arts & Sciences to grades 10-12. My course emphasizes the science and math of the subject and encourages students to develop the professional skills, attitudes and behaviors required for success in this broad but critical industry and trade. My students have advanced onto higher education and have successfully competed for scholarship monies through competitions. We have also successfully placed students in career path jobs.
Position:
Chef Instructor/Teacher
Needs:
Our needs vary but are focused on needing more modern, updated equipment and tools to teach this broad and varied subject. We need a new DVD player and would also like to have additional measuring equipments (scales, thermometers, etc.) ... new digital ovens and cooking equipment to upgrade an very old kitchen.
My Philosophy:
As a former industry person, my philosophy is to treat each student as an individual with unique and inherent talents which need to be drawn out, developed and encouraged. The culinary field is an important one where anyone willing to make the necessary sacrifices can become a skilled, respected and appreciated participant. It is a skill which many try to excel at but few can achieve the level of proficiency. The highest level of proficiency in this industry is an understanding of the fundamentals and a development of what is called a "culinary imagination" ... Many attempt but few are called.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am a teacher who has had other careers and have chosen teaching as my final one. I truly love what I do and believe I bring a worldly and experienced foundation to my teaching. My students are always treated with respect but are also required to show the same. I am a loving guy who knows that children typically know less than think but can think better than they know. Each student brings strengths and weaknesses to the party and each one is taught to amplify the strengths and downplay or acknowledge and rectify their weaker areas.
College and Degrees:
I hold a BA and MA both in public management.
Activities:
As an older gentleman, I find myself fully sated between the teaching, learning and extra curricular activities of my career. My off time is mostly resting and continuing to develop a more effective teaching regime.
Favorite Books:
Many, many books, mostly about culinary cooking, history and personalities of the culinary field.
Favorite Quotes:
I have many but for teaching my favorite might be "never judge a book by it's cover" .. this helps describe students.
Interests:
I am interested in world affairs, moden culture and the impact of technology on society.
Employment History:
US military during Viet Nam war, Federal government in DC, ran my own real estate development and management company for 20 years ... received a degree in culinary at age 58 and reentered the workforce first as a baker and then an R&D Chef before becoming a teacher.
Percent of Students are:
     At-risk: 25 %
     Average: 50 %
     High-achiever: 10 %
     Special Needs: 15 %
Percent of Students are:
     White/Caucasian : 30 %
     Hispanic: 60 %
     African American: 7 %
     Asian: 3 %
Free/Reduced Lunch Program Enrollment:: 100 %
ESL Enrollment:: 75 %
Average number of students in class:: 20 students
Number of students I teach:: 50 students