From Classroom to Kitchen: Teacher’s MasterChef Journey Inspires Students

Teacher’s MasterChef Journey Inspires Students

By: Jana Len, STF Bulletin Contributor

Andres Araneda’s journey from the classroom to the kitchen follows his lifelong passion for cooking.

Araneda, a Grade 6 French immersion teacher at École Wascana Plains School in Regina, was a contestant on the most recent season of CTV’s MasterChef Canada, placing in the top five. It was a milestone for him as food has always been central to his life.

A first-generation Canadian whose family immigrated from Chile in the 1970s, Araneda has built a life and career rooted in culture, creativity and connection. Food was at the heart of his upbringing. He spent countless hours in the kitchen alongside his grandmother, learning the traditions, recipes and stories that shaped his identity. That foundation sparked a love of cooking that grew through travel, experimentation and curiosity, while also guiding his teaching career over the past 16 years.

In his classroom, Araneda uses food to explore culture and diversity, trying to create warmth and a sense of belonging for his students. Outside of teaching and cooking, he expresses creativity through art and music, drawing inspiration from the punk scene to challenge boundaries and embrace evolution.

“Everything I do – teaching, cooking, music, art – all comes from the same place,” he says. “It’s a desire to connect, to create and to celebrate culture in all its forms.”

His goal as a teacher is to create an environment where every student feels safe, valued and free to share their authentic selves. Each year, students contribute to a class cookbook by sharing family recipes and the stories behind them. The project culminates in a potluck where traditions are celebrated. Cooking together has become a way to connect lessons of culture and belonging within everyday life.

For Araneda, these experiences are more than fun activities. They are opportunities to empower students, help them embrace who they are and ensure no child feels the isolation he once did.

His belief in following dreams and staying true to oneself is a value he relied on during his time on MasterChef Canada. His experience on the show allowed him to put words into action, showing students that with dedication and determination, anything is possible.

In the classroom, he strives to prepare students to be the best versions of themselves by making them feel heard, respected and supported. He models acceptance and encouragement, creating a safe space where mistakes are seen as part of learning rather than something to fear. Seeing his students grow and thrive fuels his passion for teaching.

Araneda believes his teaching career played a big role in preparing him for MasterChef Canada.

“The communicative and collaborative nature of the job really helped,” he says. “Being able to juggle many things at once, put out multiple fires and remain calm, all of that helped. I’m generally a calm person, but the nature of my job helped me navigate the chaos of the MasterChef Canada kitchen.”

Competing on the show was a lifelong dream. He had been accepted a decade earlier but chose not to resign from his teaching job, setting the dream aside. In 2019, he appeared on Food Network Canada’s Wall of Chefs, winning his episode and reigniting his passion for cooking. That experience boosted his confidence, expanded his skills and inspired him to pursue larger opportunities.

When MasterChef Canada returned after a three-year hiatus, Araneda knew it was his chance to chase his dream once again. With encouragement from his wife, he was ready to fully embrace the journey. Supported by family, friends, his school and community, he set out to push himself and learn far more than just cooking. The pride and encouragement from his students inspired him along the way.

“I went into the experience with the goal to represent my city, my province, my profession, my students, my family and myself,” he says. “I feel as though I achieved that, and I’m just so happy people were receptive to it. It’s been so nice being able to bring people together and to see how the community comes together to show their support.”

For Araneda, the journey was not just about cooking. It was also about proving to himself and his students that dreams are worth chasing. With renewed confidence and a growing passion for sharing his story, he is looking ahead to building on his brand and strengthening his online presence, using social media as a platform to inspire and empower others.

He continues to motivate students to pursue their passions and define success in their own way. Beyond the classroom, he hopes to explore private cooking events and interactive experiences, blending his love of food with community connection. For Araneda, the future is about creating spaces where culture, creativity and authenticity can thrive, whether online, in schools or through shared meals.

From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Spring 2026