Jeff Palmer, a Baldwin Park native and BPHS alum, has been at the center of Baldwin Park Unified’s Culinary Arts transformation. As the District’s Culinary Arts Teacher and CTE Teacher on Special Assignment at BPACE, he has helped grow the program over the past two decades from a small introductory class into a full, multi-level pathway serving both high school and adult students.
Inspired by generations of cooks in his family, Palmer says his love for food began at home, learning early that food was more than a meal. “Our father, Chef Robert Palmer, always instilled in my brother Brandon and I the importance of work ethic and reliability. Furthermore his saying as long as I can remember was; Customers buy with their eyes! If it looks fresh and appealing, they will buy it!.”
After a successful career in Los Angeles’ food industry, Palmer joined BPUSD as a substitute while completing his credential at Cat State Long Beach. He soon stepped into the culinary classroom full-time — inspired by the impact he could make on students.
“My entire life, I’ve either lived here or worked here. Our family dates back to the incorporation of the City, and we are very proud to be from Baldwin Park,” Palmer said.
Now celebrating 26 years with BPUSD, Palmer has led major expansions, facility upgrades, and curriculum modernization across the District. His influence spans from high school kitchens to BPACE’s advanced culinary labs, where his brother, Brandon Palmer, now teaches the high school and adult foundational culinary classes.
“In education, you get the immediate feedback and see a response from students learning and that captured me to do this,” Palmer said.
Over the years, Palmer has reshaped the curriculum to blend industry-standard techniques with creativity, cultural awareness, and workplace readiness. Students now study international cuisines, baking, small restaurant management, and foundational culinary courses. He emphasizes not only cooking skills but also professional habits, respect, discipline, accountability, that students can carry into any career.
Under his leadership, the program has embraced fresh, sustainable practices: herbs and vegetables are grown in the program’s garden, breads and pastries are made daily, and even staples like mayonnaise are created from scratch. Palmer says the hands-on approach teaches students to value quality and understand the origins of their ingredients.
“From day one, I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible support,” Palmer shared. “BPACE Administration, my mentors, and District leadership have all played a key role in helping me develop and expand this program. I’m also deeply grateful to my brother, Chef Brandon, whose expertise has been instrumental in our growth, and to my wife, Maritza, for her unwavering support throughout this journey.”
The Culinary Arts pathway has also expanded academically. High school and adult students alike who complete the pathway can earn articulated credit with Mt. San Antonio College, giving them a head start toward culinary degrees. Adult school students receive advanced training that supports employment in restaurants, catering operations, and hospitality roles.
“We have had many successful culinary graduates over the years that have done very well in the food service industry. One student in particular graduated our program, went on to work in restaurants such as Animal in Los Angeles, Manuela in the Arts District and eventually Executive Chef of Bread and Barley in Covina, CA. Chef Alex Carillo is now a Culinary Professor for the Mt. Sac Culinary Arts program in which our students can articulate to. Chef Brandon and I are very proud of his accomplishments.”
In his new role as a CTE Teacher on Special Assignment, Palmer helps guide BPACE’s full suite of career pathways, supporting instructors and strengthening programs that prepare students for in-demand industries. He sees this work as an opportunity to ensure BPUSD’s CTE offerings continue to evolve with workforce needs.
Despite the program’s growth, Palmer remains grounded in what brought him back home, a desire to serve the community that raised him. He proudly watched his children attend BPUSD schools.
Looking ahead, Palmer said he is excited to continue elevating culinary arts and expanding CTE opportunities across BPUSD, including mentoring the next generation of professionals through new programs such as Plumbing and Roofing.
“I’m proud that we send well trained students from our own community out to begin their careers,” Palmer said.
PHOTOS
Chef Jeff Palmer, 2025
An array of dishes crafted by the BPUSD Culinary Arts program under Chef Palmer.
Chef Palmer and his son at the 2025 BPACE Graduation Ceremony