The Idaho Potato Commission along with the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education selected Lakeshore College Culinary Arts Instructor and Program Coordinator Amanda Weber to receive the 2025 Postsecondary Educator of the Year Runner Up award. This national honor recognizes an educator’s professional commitment to the educational community and foodservice industry. 

Chef Weber’s contributions to Lakeshore College’s culinary program have been transformative. She has been instrumental in designing and implementing a curriculum that both aligns with industry standards and pushes the boundaries of culinary creativity and technique. She has an ability to combine traditional culinary arts with modern trends that ensure her students are well-prepared to excel in an ever-evolving industry.

Her approach to teaching is grounded in real-world experience, and she strives to make every lesson meaningful and engaging. She doesn’t just teach technical skills—she helps students develop confidence, creativity, and a deep respect for the culinary arts.

Chef Weber bridges classroom learning with real-world applications by mentoring her students in professional growth, community service and team-building activities. One outreach event included making and donating pies to the local food bank for Thanksgiving dinners and volunteering to cook and serve at a local children’s museum’s large fundraising event.

Kristi Olds, a former student, business colleague and fellow college instructor, said that Chef Weber exemplifies what it means to be a leader and innovator in the culinary world. “She is more than an instructor or business owner—she is a role model and source of inspiration to her students, colleagues and the community at large. She balances education, leadership and innovation while always maintaining a focus on the people she serves.”

Chef Weber’s instruction and guidance isn’t simply about cooking; it’s about self-discovery, teamwork and building a legacy of excellence that resonates with the public and leaves students forever changed.

The Postsecondary Educator of the Year award provided Chef Weber with a $500 cash prize, commemorative plaque and 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.