Nominate a Seattle Public Schools principal, educator or counselor that is advancing racial equity and educational justice for an individual award of up to $25,000.
The Alliance for Education, the local education fund for the Seattle Public School district, is asking the Seattle community to nominate excellent principals, educators and counselors for three awards this spring. The awards recognize and honor outstanding Seattle Public Schools staff who have demonstrated success in advancing educational justice and racial equity in their school communities and classrooms. Combined, the Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence, the Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award and the Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award total $67,500 in grants to award to the Seattle Public Schools community.
“These awards recognize counselors, educators, and principals who embody the commitment we need from one another to advance the arc of justice in our public schools,” says Yonas Fikak, Vice President of Impact at the Alliance for Education. “We’re inspired by the impact of these awards on educator instruction, philosophy, school culture and student experiences.”
Since 1999, these endowed awards have provided school staff with additional funding that lies outside of a traditional school budget to best serve the needs of their students.
All three awards center leaders who work to advance educational justice and racial equity.
- The Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence recognizes two principals who have a 3+ year commitment to their school with a surprise celebration and $25,000 grant. The award commemorates Thomas B. Foster, a prominent Seattle attorney who displayed a strong personal commitment to public education.
- The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award recognizes five teachers and/or counselors working in grades 6-12 who have a 3+ year commitment to a Title I school with an award including a $2,500 grant. The award honors Mr. Philip B. Swain, a former teacher who was a passionate advocate for public education throughout his life.
- The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award recognizes a science educator teaching grades K-8 who has a 3+ year commitment to a Title I school with an award including a $5,000 grant. The award honors Ms. Adrienne Weaver, a former educator who had a love for teaching, science and a belief in hands-on learning.
“This award is really significant because we focus on African American male achievement and on access to advanced course work. Every student takes advanced courses here at Nathan Hale through College in the High School.” said Dr. William Jackson, Principal at Nathan Hale High School and 2023 Foster Award winner. “To earn an award that verifies that work is very rewarding.”
Awardees are selected with emphasis placed on community nominations, as part of a process which also considers school-level data. Award winners will be announced later this spring and recognized at the Alliance for Education Annual Gala, Auction + After Party on April 27, 2024.
All are welcome to nominate an educator, counselor or principal online by or before the deadline of midnight on Sunday, March 31.
About The Alliance for Education
The Alliance for Education is an independent, local education fund that has worked in partnership with Seattle Public Schools since 1995 to address big challenges facing Seattle students and schools. We develop, invest in, and partner with programs and partners that advance educational justice and increase racial equity for students in the Seattle Public School system. Our work is designed to address systemic inequities in public schools and create a more equitable and just education system that allows all Seattle students to thrive.