The Encinitas Rotary Club has named Sarah Wood, a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) teacher with the Encinitas Union School District (EUSD), as the recipient of its 2025 Peacemaker Award. The annual award honors individuals who make a significant impact in promoting peace, understanding, and conflict resolution within the community, according to a news release.
Wood was recognized for her leadership in creating and expanding the district’s TRArogram—Teamwork, Regulation, Acceptance, and Community. TRAC helps students develop critical social and emotional skills, including self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, responsible decision-making, and conflict resolution.
First piloted by Wood at Park Dale Lane Elementary in the 2017-18 school year, TRAC received such strong that it was adopted district-wide just two years later. Today, each of EUSD’s nine schools has a full-time TRAC teacher—thanks to Wood’s vision, dedication, and years of refinement.
In addition to her work with TRAC, Wood is a strong advocate for Restorative Practices—strategies designed to resolve conflict, strengthen relationships, and build community.
At Park Dale Lane, she leads efforts to integrate these practices school-wide, including student-led Restorative Circles. She has also trained over 100 EUSD staff , including all school principals, becoming the district’s go-to expert on the approach, the news release stated.
“Sarah’s work is helping shape a generation of students who are more self-aware, empathetic, and prepared to prevent and resolve conflicts,” said Mark Berning, president-elect of the Encinitas Rotary Club, in the news release.
The Encinitas Rotary Club is part of a global network of over 1.2 million working to create positive change locally and internationally. For more information or to get involved, visit www.EncinitasRotary.org.
