Valerie A. Woodruff will be honored with the 2025 John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award during an Education Workforce Development Summit on April 29. (Photo provided by Delaware State Chamber of Commerce)
Valerie A. Woodruff has been named the recipient of the 2025 John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award, recognizing her decades-long commitment to improving Delaware’s public education system. The award is presented annually by The Partnership, Inc., the workforce development affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
Woodruff will be formally recognized at the Navigating Delaware Pathways: An Education Workforce Development Summit on April 29 during a lunchtime awards ceremony.
Her career in education began as a teacher of English and social studies, followed by a role as a guidance counselor at Delcastle Technical High School. She later became principal of Middletown High School in 1984, where she helped establish one of the state’s first high school wellness centers.
Woodruff’s influence extended statewide during her time as assistant secretary and later secretary of education for Delaware. In these roles, she championed legislation on teacher accountability, promoted higher classroom standards, and expanded access to wellness centers in public high schools. At the federal level, she was selected as one of only six experts invited by the U.S. Department of Education to help revise national education policy.
“I first met Val when we were both high school principals, serving together on the state’s Secondary Advisory Group,” said Robert Rescigno, president of Collaborative Consulting, LLC.
“She stood out as someone who was innovative, student-centered, and guided by a strong moral compass. She consistently impressed me with her dedication and her willingness to go the extra mile for students,” he said. “What has always stood out most about Val is her unwavering commitment to every student. That is what truly sets her apart. She didn’t just talk about change—she embodied it.”
In 2005, Woodruff was inducted into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame. She remains a vocal advocate for education and workforce development, emphasizing business-education partnerships and student-centered policies.
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“It’s very special because I admire John so much. And, so, to be given an award that is named for him is wonderful,” said Woodruff.
The John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award honors individuals who have demonstrated sustained leadership in improving education across the state. Named after longtime educator and public policy leader John H. Taylor, Jr., the award reflects a legacy of advocacy, community service, and commitment to Delaware’s students.
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Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.
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