The Idaho Potato Commission along with the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education selected Culinary Arts Instructor Phil Cropper to receive the 2025 Secondary Educator of the Year award. This honor recognizes an educator’s professional commitment to the educational community and foodservice industry.
Chef Cropper is an executive chef, pastry chef, and department chair who leads the Worcester Technical High School Culinary Arts program by creating an innovative, student-centered learning experience. Guided by his “Education Without Walls” philosophy, he connects students to their community, emphasizing engagement, collaboration, and real-world application.
Chef Cropper’s most recent honors include:
- 2025 ProtStart Teacher of the Year
- 2025 Maryland State Culinary Teacher of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland
- 2024 SkillsUSA Maryland Advisor of the Year and
- 2025 National SkillsUSA Maryland Advisor of the Year.
- Chef Cropper also serves on the SkillsUSA Maryland State Board and National Education Team. He sits on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force for the ACF
Chef Cropper founded and manages the Pines Café, an off-site, student-run café in partnership with TidalHealth. This initiative provides students with hands-on experience in business operations, customer service, food preparation, and financial management. The CAFE is open from 7 am to 3 pm, five days a week.
His community outreach projects include organizing and executing catered events for local organizations, fundraisers, and government functions, showcasing students’ culinary skills and providing them with industry exposure. He has also developed a program where culinary students teach over 400 elementary students about hydroponic farming and healthy food choices, promoting childhood nutrition awareness and sustainability.
The Secondary Educator of the Year award provided a $1,000 prize and commemorative plaque. Chef Cropper also received a complimentary registration to attend CAFÉ’s 2025 Leadership Conference held this summer in Pittsburgh.
Click here to go back to the 2025 CAFÉ award recipients list.