Morris-Wood was recognized through a nomination-based award process in which GFEL judged contending programs based on five broad areas: overall reach; industry impact; spirit of innovation; future readiness; and market demand.
GFEL notified Morris-Wood last year of his nomination. Later, he was interviewed about his work in transition planning, specifically Navigator Prep, the country’s first virtual transition program for learning-disabled students that specifically works on executive functioning, social skills and emotional management.
“I discussed the growth of Navigator PREP, future planning, how the program disrupts educational systemic flaws, and outcomes of the program,” said Morris-Wood, Beacon’s director of transition services and outreach, who developed Navigator PREP.
That sold GFEL. The group convenes events to bring together the brightest minds in the education industry and leverages that brainpower to explore solutions to complex issues related to delivering education at a global level.
Morris-Wood learned in February that he made the final cut. The coronavirus pandemic, however, forced GFEL to shift its June event (at which Morris-Wood would have received his award) to April 2021.
The pandemic postponement hasn’t withered Morris-Wood’s enthusiasm and humility over the recognition.
“Being that Navigator PREP is still a relatively new program, even with its tremendous growth — the program served 110 students in its second year and is slated to serve more than 150 this year — I was incredibly surprised by the nomination and recognition,” he said. “To be recognized, is demonstrative of the terrific work being done by the students and parents in the program. It also shows the need to continue to discuss methods of increasing awareness regarding the experiences of students who learn differently in colleges and other programs that help support this population group.”