When it comes to forward-thinking faculty, no one does it better 

than Third Grade Teacher and Laguna alumna Brooke Green ’97. 

In June, Brooke was honored with the 2016 Faculty Excellence 

Award, the most distinguished award given to a member of the 

Laguna faculty. In unison, her peers nominated Brooke for both 

her innovation in teaching, as well as her grace and wisdom as a 

trusted member of the school community.

“The methods that Brooke uses to lead her classroom can be 

labeled as progressive and innovative,” Head of Lower School 

Andy Surber shared. “She seeks to support students so they feel 

comfortable in taking risks, stretching themselves both academically 

and socially, resulting in amazing growth.”

Project-based learning is an integral part of  Brooke’s classroom 

with activities including joint story writing between grades three 

and nine; a city simulation that immerses students in business 

creation and public service; a family campout; and a writing 

workshop at Disneyland.

And yet, it’s not just students who have benefited from Brooke’s 

creativity and compassion in the classroom. Her fellow teachers 

agree that they have learned much from her, as well, often seeking 

her out for advice and guidance in seeing the “big picture” in any 

challenge.

HONORING FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER

BROOKE GREEN

“As an educator, Brooke invites new ideas and learning through 

honest exploration and stimulating the mind. With her enthusiasm 

and leadership, she inspires greatness in us all,” says Lower School 

Science Teacher Clara Svedlund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to an endowment from alumni parents Marilyn and 

Steven Gutsche, Brooke received a cash award and a $3,000 stipend 

for travel, workshops, equipment, and teaching materials.

Thank you, Brooke, for all you have done for our students and 

the greater school community! 

"This award is 

meaningful to me 

because I am receiving 

it from the colleagues 

whom I respect and 

admire so greatly."

LAGUNABLANCA.ORG     43

136982_LagunaBlanca_FallMagazine2016_ProofFINAL_v2.indd 43

9/20/16 9:49 AM