Libby Woodfin Receives Brooks Thomas Award

Expeditionary Learning (EL), a leading K-12 education organization at the forefront of the movement to raise expectations and outcomes for students, is pleased to announce that its Director of Publications, Libby Woodfin, has been named the recipient of the 2014 Brooks Thomas Exemplary Service award.

The Brooks Thomas award was established in 2010 by the EL Board of Directors to honor staff excellence. The award is named in honor of Thomas’ commitment to education and deep belief in Expeditionary Learning’s vision for experiential education. As a member of the first EL Board of Trustees, Brooks made significant contributions to EL’s growth and success.

Woodfin was recognized for exemplifying the qualities and character of EL’s founding trustees and illustrating the organization’s commitment to serve as “crew, not passengers.” She recently received the award at a special luncheon in New York attended by Thomas’ widow Kiono, EL board members, Woodfin’s family, and fellow colleagues.

“It’s a great honor to have been nominated by my colleagues for this award,” reflected Woodfin. “I have found my professional home at EL, with some of the smartest, kindest, and most dedicated people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I owe a debt of gratitude to those who have helped me find my path to my current role as Director of Publications and to all of my colleagues who, by example, push me to work harder and better every day. “

Libby was nominated by her EL peers as an employee who best exemplifies qualities of excellence, collaboration, and perseverance. Scott Hartl, President and CEO of EL, noted, “Libby has worked with EL in many roles, first as a part time office manager while attending school at Harvard, and eventually as EL's first Director of Publications, leading us into a new chapter of high quality resource creation. Her contribution in corralling the input of 27 contributors to EL’s new book, Leaders of Their Own Learning: Transforming Schools Through Student-Engaged Assessment, of which she is a coauthor,cannot be underestimated.”

From the comments in the nomination letters, it’s clear that Libby's impact on the EL family and mission has always transcended her current job title. One nominee wrote: “Her dedication is unwavering, and her growth mindset is evident at every turn. Libby's perseverance is part of what inspires such great confidence; we all know we can count on Libby for the long haul. She has accomplished so much because she is a master at pacing and managing others.”