The Conscious Gourmet InstituteLetter from Diane Carlson, Founder, Director, Chef Instructor Twenty four years ago I taught my first three hour culinary class as a graduation requirement for the Teacher’s Training Program in natural foods cooking at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Food and Health in New York City. It was the most challenging class I ever taught, knowing it would be followed by an extensive critique by my fellow classmates, as well as Annemarie Colbin, Founder of the school and book author. I felt fear and apprehension as I stood before the class, but when my class was over, I knew I had found my passion for life. Over the years I have taught hundreds of classes in every kind of class setting, and what I have learned best is how to teach…what makes a class fulfilling and successful for both the student and the instructor, whether it’s taught in one’s home, a culinary school, a practitioners' office, a retreat center or for the television or video audience. A successful class is not something that happens by chance. We all know what it feels like to attend a class and really feel fed…unaware of the carefully orchestrated details that contributed to the success of the class. We are inspired to return to our own home kitchen to consciously implement what we have learned. There are fundamental components underlying the successful preparation and delivery of a class, combined with one of the most important ingredients in any class, the instructor—how and what he or she chooses to bring to the table of her unique self. Her skills, knowledge, presence and presentation are consumed by the students like the beautifully presented food on the plate. A well trained instructor and orchestrated class feeds the soul of the student as well as her own. Many chef schools and practitioner programs are teaching students about health, diet, and nutrition. If you are a graduate or student in this career path, I invite you to take your knowledge and skills in culinary arts to the next level for a rewarding career in The Culinary Classroom. Master the skills for presenting classes that inspire participants to prepare food that not only tastes good, but contributes to a vital life —physically, mentally and emotionally—through conscious food choices. Choose The Culinary Classroom program that meets your particular goals. On-site Certificate Program | Distance Learning Program Graduates of The Culinary Classroom will be considered for future teaching positions with The Conscious Gourmet. |