Chef Martin Aller-Stead

 

Martin Aller-Stead has had several careers. As a teacher, his career has taken him to Oakville; Montreal; Leduc, Alberta; Terrace, BC and Nigeria.Trained as a Chef in both Canada at George Brown and ALMA (La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana) in Italy.Now, he spends his time as a full-time, award-winning high-school teaching chef and co-op teacher at Monarch Park Collegiate.

At Monarch Park, he finds innovative and “right fit” co-op placements for all of his students and uses his life experience to illustrate, enhance and punctuate lessons. The Co-operative Education Pre-Employment Sessions can sometimes be an analytical examination of provincial legislation.

A colleague says, “He makes all students--regardless of economic, social or physical ability or disability--successful if they choose to be. He is a constant support and provider of hope for many who never thought they would get a chance.” 

The Foods and Hospitality Program is a limited-enrolment two credit program where students learn how to cook at a professional level, develop outstanding presentation and hospitality skills and understand proper nutrition.  No experience in a kitchen is required: The only thing that you will need is how to say "YES CHEF! "

Chef Aller-Stead says "Teacher and cook, I get to work with wonderful students who enjoy learning fast, hands-on and creatively. As a co-op teacher I spend most of my time in the community, expanding opportunities for students to 'try on a career for size'. In the kitchen my students learn how to 'think like a chef, not like a cook', and learn basic and advanced techniques so they never feel intimidated by recipes, concepts in food or production method. I have the most delightful job in the world, and people always send me their very best kids".

Guests will enjoy dinner catered by Chef Aller-Stead and his students as their final project for the year. "The kids are really looking forward to rocking a great event out for you!"