“Cooking is an art and patience is a virtue.” – Keith Floyd
No one embodies this quote more than Mrs. Jennifer Riley-Edwards. Whether she’s managing a room full of students with knives in hand or offering a listening ear after a tough day, Mrs. Riley-Edwards approaches every challenge with grace and humor.
For the past eight years, she’s been more than a culinary teacher at Kempsville High School, she’s a mentor, supporter, and a steady source of encouragement for her students and fellow coworkers.
Mrs. Riley-Edwards teaches Hospitality and Catering, Culinary Entrepreneurship, and Intro to Culinary Arts. Her passion for her work is evident not only in the lessons she teaches but also in the way she connects with her students.
“There’s a lot of things that I love about my job,” she says. “I love hospitality, and I love that I get to share it with my students.”
Senior Coryn Sandler has experienced that care firsthand. Sandler first met Mrs. Riley-Edwards as a freshman in study block, and their bond only grew stronger when Sandler took her culinary classes.
“Mrs. Edwards is one of the few teachers I’ve grown very close with,” Sandler says. “Even as an awkward freshman, she took no judgement towards any of the kids.”
What sets Mrs. Riley-Edwards apart is her ability to balance the chaos of a busy kitchen with grace and patience.
“She has five students asking her questions, two students trying to pick an argument, and knives actively slicing,” Sandler explains. “I’ve never seen such patience and positivity from any other teacher in such a chaotic environment.”
Her influence extends beyond her students to her fellow teachers as well. Mrs. Kirsten Taylor, who teaches Independent Living and Intro to Culinary Arts, credits Mrs. Riley-Edwards with helping her transition into teaching culinary arts.
“She has been an amazing mentor,” Mrs. Taylor says. “She’s a great supporter and a champion for not only her students but also her coworkers.”
Mrs. Taylor also admires how much Mrs. Riley-Edwards genuinely cares about her students’ success.
“Her goal is that everybody is successful in her class, and she works really hard to make sure that happens,” she says.
Her dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Sandler shares how Mrs. Riley-Edwards has been a constant source of comfort and encouragement.
“Even when life throws her the hardest punches… she still sticks it out for her students,” Sandler says. “I run to her whenever I’m upset or have great news to share, and she treats me like I’m her own.”
Mrs. Riley-Edwards’ love for her job stems from her love for people.
“I love working with people, I love talking a lot, so I get to do that here, it’s fun,” she says with a smile. “I get to share my excitement with my students. 99 percent of them are just as excited as I am, and we get to have fun and learn.”
In a fast-paced environment where patience is often tested, Mrs. Riley-Edwards remains a steady, encouraging presence. Her passion for culinary arts is matched only by her commitment to her students’ growth and success. It’s not just the recipes and skills she teaches that leave a lasting impact, it’s the care, the laughter, and the unwavering support she gives every day.
