Teaching culinary arts is not just about recipes for Mrs. Ninkovich; it’s about creativity, confidence, and life skills that last long after students leave the classroom.
“Culinary arts has always been one of my favorite subjects,” Ninkovich said. “When I was in middle school, I always took all the culinary classes. It was a way for me to channel my creativity, and I love the outcome, because we all love to eat. That’s exactly why I enjoy teaching it. I love helping students learn how to cook.”
In Ninkovich’s classroom, every mistake is a learning opportunity. Ninkovich has cultivated a classroom environment where every mistake becomes a valuable lesson. In her classroom, every misstep is seen as a chance to grow and learn.
“If a recipe doesn’t work out the first time, maybe it burns, or we overcook or undercook it, we can always redo it,” Ninkovich explained. “We learn from our mistakes, and it’ll come out as it should. That’s one of the biggest lessons I hope my students take with them.”
Moving from the lessons learned in the kitchen to her favorite pursuits, Ninkovich lights up with excitement when discussing hands-on dishes that engage her students the most.
“That would definitely be pasta making,” Ninkovich said. “I love pasta, and my students love the whole process of making it from scratch. It’s fun for all of us.”
The impact of Ninkovich class reaches far beyond preparing food. Bridging the gap between culinary skills and real-world responsibilities, she sees each lesson as preparation for life outside the classroom.
“It teaches responsibility and time management,” Ninkovich said. “It’s basically adulthood. Mom and dad might not always be there to cook dinner, so students learn they can do it themselves.”
When asked about her favorite part of teaching at Crown Point, Ms. Ninkovich reflects with pride on the curiosity and dedication she sees in her students. She notes how their willingness to try new recipes and their appreciation for kitchen safety and responsibility make her work deeply fulfilling.
“I just love how my students are really interested in cooking and trying different types of recipes that might not be common,” Ninkovich said. “They take being in the kitchen seriously, and they recognize how important safety and responsibility are once we stress it. That’s what makes teaching here so rewarding.”
Ninkovich’s passion for culinary arts goes far beyond teaching recipes; it’s about inspiring confidence, creativity, and independence in every student she teaches. By turning her classroom into a safe space for experimentation and growth, she empowers her students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and carry practical life skills into their futures. Her approach to teaching rigorously embodies engaging and purposeful learning experiences. She shows a strong commitment to supporting her students’ success in multiple contexts, both within and beyond the kitchen. As her students leave her class, they take with them not only the ability to cook, but also the self-assurance and responsibility to thrive in whatever path they choose.
