Elizabeth (Libba) Woodruff
Clinical Associate Professor of Sport Pedagogy, Kinesiology & Student Services- elizabeth.woodruff@ua.edu
- 205-348-7452
- 2005, Wade Hall
EDUCATION
| Degree | Area of Study | University |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Human Performance: Sport Pedagogy | University of Alabama |
| M.A. | Human Performance: Sport Pedagogy | University of Alabama |
| B.S. | Health, Physical Education & Recreation | Samford University |
AWARDS & HONORS
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Dean’s Merit Award for Excellence in Teaching, College of Education, University of Alabama |
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Curriculum & Program Development
Models-Based Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE)
Systematic Observation & Supervision of Pre-Service Teachers
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Improving physical education teaching and learning for today’s students
Exploring practical approaches such as reflective practice, experiential learning, and the use of artificial intelligence to support effective instruction
Student-centered learning, with emphasis on instructional models and active learning strategies that help future teachers create inclusive, engaging, and meaningful experiences for all students
GRANT & RESEARCH PROJECTS
- Baxter, D., Aguiar, E., & Woodruff, E. (2026). Empowering High School Students Through Personalized Sport Education: A mixed Personalized System of Instruction (PSI)–Sport Education–Fitness model integrating Heart Zones technology. College of Education Rising Tide Grant, $25,000 (Funded). This project advances student-centered, technology-enhanced physical education by promoting personalized learning, increasing student engagement, and improving fitness outcomes in secondary school settings.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
- Baxter, D., Woodruff, E., & Sinelnikov, O. (2026). Structure and agency in conflict: An analytical dualism examination of edTPA implementation in physical education teacher education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2025-0075
- Woodruff, E., & Sinelnikov, O. (2015). Teaching young adults with disabilities through service learning. European Physical Education Review, 21(3), 292-308.
- Woodruff, E., & Curtner-Smith, M. (2015). African American Physical Education Folklore Surrounding School Transition. The Physical Educator, 72(3), 413-432.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
As a faculty member in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE), Dr. Woodruff’s teaching philosophy focuses on preparing educators to be knowledgeable, reflective, and resilient professionals. Her work is guided by a commitment to effectiveness, scholarship, and professional integrity. The program prioritizes student engagement, success, and student-centered learning to develop effective physical educators using best instructional and research practices for both P–12 and higher education settings.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Libba Woodruff is a Clinical Professor and Program Coordinator for Sport Pedagogy and Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) in the Department of Kinesiology. She enjoys working with students to prepare future physical educators through hands-on learning, reflection, and meaningful early field experiences.
Her work focuses on supporting effective teaching for today’s learners, including adapting to changing educational environments and exploring the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. She also collaborates with colleagues and mentor students and instructors.
Dr. Woodruff stays active in the field through partnerships with schools, professional organizations, and service at multiple levels, all with the goal of helping future teachers create engaging and inclusive physical education experiences.