Idaho Division of Career Technical Education
01/27/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/27/2025 10:44
Teacher’s vision brews a future filled with opportunity for her students
With just 70 students in grades nine through 12, Council High School (CHS) may be small, but its FCSHS teacher, Jodi Cook, has big ambitions. Since 1992, Cook has been inspiring students with her passion for culinary arts, which took root during her own junior high experience. Her involvement in Future Homemakers of America (now FCCLA) and national culinary competitions in high school further fueled her desire to teach FCSHS.
Three years ago, Cook envisioned a student-run coffee shop to enhance her culinary arts program. This dream became a reality when the school remodeled its library, transforming a small closet into Jack's Coffee Shop, named after the school's mascot, the Lumberjacks. A Program Quality Initiative (PQI) grant provided the funding for the necessary commercial equipment, allowing Cook's initiative to come to life.
The coffee shop offers students the chance to earn valuable certifications for careers in the food service industry. All students earn an online barista certification and the Idaho-specific Ready, Set, Food Safe Certification. Some even earn the ServSafe Manager Certification, which demonstrates advanced knowledge in food safety and sanitation.
"Running the coffee shop helps students develop essential skills," said Cook. "They build teamwork and a strong work ethic as they manage daily operations, research drink trends, and adapt to customer preferences."
I check in with them occasionally, but the coffee shop is entirely student-run and self-sustaining.
Jodi Cook, FCSHS teacherJack's Coffee Shop operates on weekdays from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Monday through Thursday, allowing students to manage it independently before classes. Students also run the coffee shop on Wednesdays during lunch. Students take pride in crafting seasonal menus and special drinks, such as the Lumberjack Special for homecoming. Recently, they introduced boba tea and nondairy alternatives based on customer feedback, displaying their ability to research and innovate.
Beyond coffee-making, the initiative teaches crucial skills in entrepreneurship, marketing and customer service. Students create drink menus, conduct surveys to understand customer needs, design promotional materials, manage inventory and handle transactions.
"I check in with them occasionally, but the coffee shop is entirely student-run and self-sustaining," said Cook.
The practical experience gained from managing the coffee shop has enabled many students to successfully transition into jobs at local restaurants and coffee shops, including positions in nearby McCall. This initiative not only enhances their culinary knowledge but also equips them with essential workplace skills, fostering pride and a sense of community within the school.
"I wanted my students to learn how to be baristas because coffee shops are very popular," said Cook. "This hands-on training provides them with skills they can use when they graduate. If they go to college, they could easily step right into a coffee shop, earn some money and do something positive and fun."