Six educators and counselors received awards recognizing their support for advancing racial equity and educational justice on behalf of students in Seattle Public Schools.
The Alliance for Education, the local education fund for the Seattle Public School district, has awarded six outstanding Seattle Public Schools educators and counselors with Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education and Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Awards. Both awards honor SPS staff who have demonstrated success in advancing educational justice and racial equity in their school communities and classrooms. 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.
“These awards recognize counselors and educators 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.”
The 2024 award process was highly-competitive, relying largely on colleague and community nominations alongside demonstrating growth in school building level data metrics. Meet this year’s awardees below!
The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education
The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award is given annually to up to five teachers and/or counselors in Seattle Public Schools who promote educational justice and racial equity at their school. Nominations are open to teachers and counselors who: teach in grades 6-12, have been with the district for at least three years, and teach at a Title I school. A stipend of $2,500 accompanies each award, and may be used at the awardee’s discretion for continuing professional development and classroom projects or supplies. The award honors Mr. Philip B. Swain, a former teacher who was a passionate advocate for public education throughout his life.
Kind Words From the Community
Marcus Bradford
Kingmakers Facilitator, Student & Family Advocate, Aki Kurose Middle School
“Besides his amazing [Kingmakers] curriculum, he is always connecting his students farthest from educational justice with learning experience that one would not be exposed to. A testament to his positive impact is when my son, looking at his report card, said he works hard in school because of his parent’s expectations but also because of Mr. Bradford. He continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and is a beloved figured among students, parents, and colleagues alike.”
Sade Brown
ELA Teacher & Senior Advisor, Rainier Beach High School
“Sade is really striking in how she consistently and broadly builds authentic relationships with her students. She’s able to relate on a personal level while maintaining the highest standards – not settling for second best and ensuring her scholars are pushing for their best. She is also active with the Racial Equity Team, PTSA, College Support team, and her own HBCU chapter (helping students apply, get in, and access scholarships). On numerous occasions she has been voted best teacher by the seniors, and she is consistently asked (again by students) to speak at graduation.”
Alfreida McKinney
School Counselor, Washington Middle School
“Supporting the success of students furthest from educational justice is part of her everyday work. She creates and helps implement advisory lessons in regards to educational justice, advocates for students of color when making building wide decisions, leads the Black Student Union (which we didn’t have for a few years prior to her working here), and uses one on one conversations, community circles, and restorative practices to address racial equity in our school community.”
Julia Reade
Special Education Teacher—Extended Resource, Nova High School
“It’s clear to me that the pursuit of racial equity and educational justice is not just a job but a calling for Julia—a moral imperative that demands unwavering dedication and relentless perseverance. Many of her students live at the intersection furthest from educational justice. Her strategy with my student and others is to collaborate, celebrate, support, and empower. Students are given agency and voice in their education. She provides structure and advocates for their autonomy. Students feel empowered and supported.”
Alvin Scott Griggs
Physical Education Teacher, Franklin High School
“Over the years, he has gone out of his way to be sure students of color have what they need for maximum benefit in their sports and physical education endeavors. Knowing his impact on young people, especially young men of color, Scott chose to accept the head track coaching job at Franklin after having stepped back from this 5 years ago. There was an immediate effect. The majority of these athletes are young Black men, engaging in track for the first time, which has had a positive impact on their school attendance and grades as noted in numerous studies regarding athletics and school success.”
The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award
The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award is given on an annual basis to an SPS Science Teacher in grades K-8 who has been with the district for at least three years and teaches at a Title I school. A stipend of $5,000 accompanies the award and may be used at the awardee’s discretion. This award was established to honor Ms. Adrienne Weaver, a former educator who had a love for teaching and science and believed in hands-on learning.
Kind Words From the Community
Kyle Tunstall
Head Teacher, West Seattle Elementary School
“Mr. Tunstall incorporates culturally relevant content into his lessons, such as exploring the geographical origins of specific countries represented at our school (e.g. Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, etc) and cultures (e.g. Muslim faith). He takes special care to include learning opportunities reflective of the student body and interests they have. By connecting science education to students’ cultural identities and experiences, he creates a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that leaves students excited and inspired about science.”