Cooking up success: Carolyn Hoobler named 2026 CTE Teacher of the Year

Carolyn Hoobler teaches culinary arts at Parkwood High School. She was named the 2026 Career and Technical Education Teacher (CTE) of the Year. This is her second time winning this award; she also won it in 2022.

On March 9, Hoobler was surprised in her classroom with the award by UCPS Director of Career Readiness Brian Davis, Principal Dr. Tracey Strickland and UCPS Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan, along with other district leaders and staff members.

The classroom smelled of fresh rosemary and basil as she greeted the surprise guests. “It’s very humbling to receive this award. I’m honored. I’m just grateful to do what I’m doing, and I’m surprised,” she said. “I love equipping the next generation with skills that will help them be successful and build into their lives. It’s a great privilege and joy to see students grow in confidence in what they can do in the kitchen and take these skills into their futures.”

Hoobler, a Houghton College graduate with a bachelor of science in education and social science, has taught food & nutrition and culinary arts at Parkwood High for 12 years. She loves teaching students to cook and bake from scratch, equipping them with skills to achieve better nutrition, financial savings and more opportunities in life.

She emphasizes not just cooking skills but confidence, professionalism and teamwork, preparing students for both careers and life. She also incorporates students’ personal interests—baking, flavor experimentation and hospitality—into projects that serve the school and community.

Her students clearly appreciate her approach. Oliver Amador, a 12th grader, said, “It’s just a good skill to have. Ms. Hoobler is so sweet, wholesome and welcoming. She’s always willing to help us.” His favorite dish to make in class? Baked potato soup.

Senior Sloan Kozlowski echoed the praise. “She’s very friendly. She’s like sunshine and rainbows,” Sloan said, adding that she loved learning different cooking techniques and preparing dishes like strawberry cheesecake.

Beyond the classroom, Hoobler serves as an advisor for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), guiding students through service projects and competitions that give them real-world experience. Under her guidance, students have earned state awards in FCCLA Culinary Arts competitions from 2018 through 2025, with some qualifying for national contests.

Her students have competed in statewide culinary contests, prepared meals for school events and supported community initiatives such as Operation Reach Out and local food drives. They have also led projects such as preparing meals for staff welcoming new babies or recovering from illness during COVID (“Cooking is Caring”) and creating scarves for local seniors. Students have catered school events like UCPS CTE banquets and Parkwood proms, giving them hands-on experience in leadership and service.

Some former students, including Emma Rape and Mia Barrios, have gone on to pursue culinary degrees at Central Piedmont Community College and Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte.

“Teaching is more than sharing information,” Hoobler said. “It’s about building relationships, helping students uncover their strengths, and inspiring them to see their own possibilities. Seeing students blossom—gaining confidence, learning new skills, and growing as people—that’s what motivates me to keep teaching.”

Hoobler, who has been married to her husband, Jim, for more than 40 years, has three sons and four grandchildren. She enjoys cooking alongside her family, teaming up with her brothers to cater their annual family reunion.

Hoobler will go on to compete at the state level.