Phil Cropper

Phil Cropper is an accomplished Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, and nationally recognized culinary educator dedicated to redefining career and technical education through innovation, leadership, and real-world application. A proud graduate of the Baltimore International Culinary College, Phil earned dual degrees in Culinary and Pastry Arts along with a minor in Business Management. He further advanced his education by earning an Advanced Professional Certificate (APC), equivalent to a master’s degree, from the University of Phoenix.

Since 2012, Phil has led the Culinary and Pastry Arts programs at Worcester Technical High School, where he has built a nationally recognized, student-centered program grounded in his signature philosophy, “Education Without Walls”. Through this approach, students engage in authentic, hands-on learning experiences that connect the classroom to industry, community, and global opportunities.

Phil’s impact has earned him some of the highest honors in career and technical education nationwide. He was named the 2025 James H. Maynard National Educator of the Year by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, one of the most prestigious recognitions in culinary education. He was also selected as a Maryland State Teacher of the Year Finalist, named the 2026 Maryland CTE Educator of the Year by ACTE, the 2025 Maryland State Culinary Teacher of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland, and the 2024 SkillsUSA Maryland Advisor of the Year. In addition, Phil was named the 2025 Worcester Technical High School Teacher of the Year and the Worcester County Public Schools Teacher of the Year for the 2025–2026 school year.

A respected leader in both education and industry, Phil serves on the SkillsUSA Maryland State Board and the SkillsUSA National Education Team, helping to shape the future of career and technical education nationwide. He is also an active member of the American Culinary Federation’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, working to advance inclusive practices across the culinary profession. In addition, Phil is President of the Gwen Lehman Foundation, a member of the Executive Board for the Delmarva Chefs & Cooks Association, and serves as an ACFEF Lead Evaluator, accrediting culinary programs across the United States.

Beyond the classroom, Phil is a certified ServSafe Instructor and Proctor, teaches in the STATT Summer Program, and actively collaborates with industry through his involvement with the OCMD Hospitality Association (formerly HMRA) and the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) for Wor-Wic Community College.

With extensive experience as an Executive Chef and Pastry Chef, Phil has created a model program at Worcester Technical High School that exemplifies excellence in career and technical education. Through initiatives such as a student-run, off-site teaching café and impactful community outreach efforts, he empowers students with the technical skills, leadership abilities, and entrepreneurial mindset needed for success in both college and careers. Phil’s work continues to inspire the next generation to achieve their full potential while transforming education into a meaningful, real-world experience.