Orlando, Florida, October 2016—The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) has named Joanne Goodman as the recipient of the 2016 Lamp of Knowledge Award for Outstanding High School Educator. The Lamp of Knowledge is given to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to advancing the quality of professionalism and education in the hospitality industry. Goodman received her award from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse during the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association‘s Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration on Wednesday, September 28.
Goodman teaches at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, where she is the lead teacher in the school’s Hospitality Management Magnet Program. The program uses AHLEI’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program (HTMP) curriculum to introduce students to hospitality careers. Goodman opens the world of hospitality to her students through field trips, guest speakers, mentors, job shadowing, and internship opportunities. She also provides her students with a personal industry perspective based on her own career.
Goodman had a 22-year career with Marriott International in a number of management positions, including 13 years as a general manager. While with Marriott, she worked in five states, in 10 hotels, and for four different Marriott brands. She also taught an evening certification class at Mid-Florida Tech and served on their board for 12 years. For this, she was recognized by the FRLA Educational Foundation as Industry Partner of the Year. She is the only person to have received a Pineapple Award as both an Industry Partner and a teacher.
Goodman retired from Marriott in 2010 and has been teaching for both Orange County public schools and Valencia College as a hospitality management instructor ever since.
