Honor recognizes dedication, leadership, and advocacy for students, teachers, and communities
Exemplary Danbury teacher Lori Woodruff was presented with the Connecticut Education Association’s highest teaching award, the John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence. The Academy for International Studies (AIS) Magnet School fourth grade teacher was honored at the 176th annual CEA Representative Assembly, held at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center this past weekend.
“Lori is deeply devoted to her students, is involved in all aspects of her school community, and works tirelessly to ensure that every student feels valued and supported,” says CEA President Kate Dias. “Her colleagues describe her as kind and compassionate and the ‘mother’ of the school.”
Woodruff, who has been teaching in Danbury for almost 30 years, is committed to forming life-long relationships with her students and their families and is their biggest cheerleader. She makes every student feel loved and seen and ensures families feel welcome and connected to the school.
“Forming relationships with students and families is my number one priority,” Woodruff says. “For my students, making them feel safe and comfortable allows them to take risks, make mistakes, and want to learn, and provides an environment for each child to be exactly who he/she is. My students learn that I am an imperfect person, so, therefore, they can be too.”
Although Woodruff is humble and soft-spoken, she fights hard for her convictions and to ensure her students and colleagues have what they need to be successful. She is a strong union advocate, serving as a building representative since 2013, and is also a member of the NEA Danbury Political Action Team.
“Mrs. Woodruff is not just a teacher; she is a leader, a motivator, a collaborator, and an educator who truly believes she can and will make a significant difference in the lives of her students,” says Christopher Roche, Danbury Public Schools chief of schools K-8 and the former principal of AIS Magnet School. “Lori’s advocacy for public education is without equivocation. She is resolute in her mission to ensure that all students have the fundamental right to a high-quality, accessible, and equitable public educational experience.”
Woodruff is involved with her community in many ways, including as a dedicated Special Olympics coach for almost twenty years. She is highly regarded in Danbury and known for her strong support of public education. She regularly works with the mayor and his staff to ensure Danbury teachers have the resources and support they need to ensure students have the best possible education.
“Lori holds herself to extremely high standards,” says fellow AIS teacher Matthew Calvanese who has worked with Woodruff since 2010. “Despite teaching writing, a subject that many students may not choose as their favorite, Lori is able to help all of her students grow. Through a combination of whole class lessons and individual conferences, Lori is able to inspire students to take risks in their writing leading to extensive growth. In addition, Lori inspires students through her science lessons. Year after year, students comment how they loved the lessons and activities Lori uses in class.”
The John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence, which is highly competitive, evaluates teachers on five criteria: professional practice, community engagement, leadership in professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy for the profession.
“From raising trout, to learning how to greet someone in Japanese, to spending extra time teaching my son how to improve his writing, and creating the kindest classroom, there is no teacher that I would recommend over Lori Woodruff,” says PTO President Jade O’Connell. “Lori is the first staff member to volunteer for whatever we ask of the staff, whenever asked. She has volunteered in any capacity requested and has been a part of almost every PTO event. From a fundraising basketball game to volunteering to run the school play after school for many years, donating items for our different events and showing up to events after school hours, Lori gives of herself constantly. Her hand is always the first to go up; she rallies other staff members to also join and creates an environment where others want to help.”
Woodruff received a $2,000 cash honorarium from CEA and will attend the Salute to Education Gala in Washington, D.C., next spring. She is also CEA’s nominee for the NEA Foundation’s NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence.
