Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2018

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2006

About R. Elizabeth Odle

R. Elizabeth Odle is the director of Bridges to Success, a United Way initiative aiming to remove barriers to learning by connecting additional resources with schools. Odle was previously the principal of Washington Irving Elementary School – IPS #14. While serving as principal of the school, IPS #14 was designated as Indianapolis’ community elementary school. As a community school, Washington Irving Elementary serves as a school with a large number of partnerships and a place where services, supports and opportunities lead to improve student learning, stronger families and a healthier community. Located on the city’s near eastside, the school is also designated as a school-wide Title 1 school that has over 80 percent of its students living below the poverty level. There are more homeless students attending School #14 than any other single school in Indiana. Yet, in the face of these obstacles, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment while embracing a host of community programs and over 100 volunteers on a weekly basis.

As a long-time public education advocate, Ms. Odle has dedicated her career training and focus on providing services for children and families with special needs. Previous educational assignments range from being a youth service manager (1974 – 77) for the City of Indianapolis to a varied number of special education career assignments within the Indianapolis Public Schools.

Ms. Odle is a 1968 graduate of Shortridge High School. She received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology/psychology from the University of Indianapolis in 1972, and in 1974 obtained her master’s in special education and administration license for both elementary and secondary education from Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis via the Teacher Corps Educational Program. The Teacher Corps program helped her to understand the pivotal connection between community collaboration and successfully educating kids.

Ms. Odle has been designated as a facilitator and distinguished principal by the Indiana Department of Education. In addition, she received the “Spotlight On Learning” Award from the newly elected State Superintendent Dr. Bennett. Other awards include IEA's Martin Luther King - Human Rights and Leadership Education Award, H. Dean Evans Community Servant and Leadership Award, Department of Education Distinguished Principle Award, and the Indiana State Department Spotlight on Learning Award.