Andra Wilson is Honored with the 2021 Faculty Excellence Award

An optimistic attitude, an open heart, and a beaming smile are three of the most noted qualities of this year’s Faculty Excellence Award winner Andra Wilson. This incredible instructor embodies the phrase “walk the talk” as she sets a positive example for her students, colleagues, and Laguna families alike. 

Andra has taught physical education, health and wellness, and personal development at Laguna since 2006. She has also served as Assistant Athletic Director, PE Coach at Camp Cito day camp, and coordinator of the Middle School Advisory Program for several years. Most recently, Andra became Laguna’s Challenge Success Coordinator, an excellent fit for her as the program emphasizes balance and student wellbeing—two of Andra’s biggest passions.

Andra infuses energy and excitement into every role she has on campus. Her love for health and wellness extends not only to Laguna students but to the faculty and staff as well. She was instrumental in bringing bi-weekly on-campus workouts to the Hope Ranch campus for Laguna employees through Reveal Fitness.

On top of many years of many jobs well done, Andra stepped up tremendously during the COVID pandemic. Before Laguna students were allowed back on campus, Andra went above and beyond by gifting the Laguna community with more than 20 one-minute virtual fitness challenges that kept students and faculty motivated and healthy during this pandemic. It was the perfect example of her level of athleticism and the joy she brings to her teaching.

“This year alone, Andra stepped into a multitude of challenges and added COVID responsibilities to her plate in order to best serve her students,” says Head of Upper School Melissa Alkire. “This was evidenced in the Middle & Upper Athletic training program that she began when all other schools in the county were neither in-person nor able to maintain in-person afternoon activities for their schools. Andra’s work across every single grade at Hope Ranch ensured that our students were finding balance and joy after their early days of remote school. When sports began, Andra supported Director of Athletics Jason Donnelly fully as he worked to unpack the COVID guidance which was evolving each week. She was his teammate and demonstrated her character in this role.”

Andra always seeks to grow personally and professionally. In an effort to bring forward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-responsive learning in her courses in visible and concrete ways, she partnered with Pacific Pride Foundation to hold inclusive conversations about relationships and gender identity. 

Andra’s personal goal is to inspire children and families to develop a love for sports, physical activity, and wellness. “I wish we could have an entire faculty full of Andras,” says colleague Tara Broucqsault. “She has thrived at each level at Laguna. Her pure heart inspires all those fortunate enough to call her teacher and a trusted colleague.”

Andra grew up in Malvern, Pennsylvania and earned her Bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from West Chester University. She began her career as a collegiate certified athletic trainer before pursuing her passion for teaching. After completing her Pennsylvania teacher certification in 2003, she began a three-year career as a health and physical education teacher and coach in Central Bucks School District. Andra moved to Santa Barbara in 2006 and has been serving in the Laguna Blanca School community ever since. 

Andra enjoys spending her free time with husband, Greg, and son, Baylor ’26, playing sports, exploring the coast on her paddle board, and cheering on the UCSB Men’s Soccer team.

The Laguna Blanca School Faculty Excellence Award recognizes recipients—nominated by their peers—for their demonstrated excellence in teaching and their dedication to the school and its students. Thanks to an endowment established by alumni parents Steven and Marilyn Gutsche, recipients receive a cash award and a $3,000 stipend for travel, workshops, equipment, and teaching materials.

Congratulations, Andra!