The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award is given annually to up to six teachers 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 schools where the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-lunch has been 40% or higher for at least two of the past three years. A stipend of $1,000 accompanies each award, and may be used at the awardee’s discretion for continuing professional development, for travel associated with such development, and for classroom projects or supplies. Colleagues, principals and other administrators can nominate teachers and counselors for the award. The award honors Mr. Philip B. Swain, a former teacher who was a passionate advocate for public education throughout his life.

• 2000-2001: Gina Gerlitz, Hamilton Middle School
• 2000-2001: Yanis Yaffee, Mercer Middle School
• 2001-2002: Dennis Iwami, Aki Kurose Middle School
• 2002-2003: Anita Morales, Meany Middle School
• 2003-2004: Jim  Regan, Cleveland High School
• 2004-2005: Gerardine Carroll, Chief Sealth High School
• 2004-2005: Edie Shipman, Mercer Middle School
• 2006-2007: Victoria Bernstein, Cleveland High School
• 2007-2008: Wendy Miller, Meany Middle School
• 2007-2008: Kathleen Myers, Madison Middle School
• 2007-2008: Catherine Brown, Cleveland High School
• 2007-2008: Amy Baeder, Cleveland High School
• 2007-2009: Joe Olegario, Mercer Middle School
• 2008-2009: Alisha Taylor, Madison Middle School
• 2008-2009: Stephanie Poole, Madison Middle School
• 2008-2009: Marcus Pimpleton, Denny Middle School
• 2008-2009: Letta Steward Baker, Madrona K-8
• 2010-2011: Ken Geddes, Aki Kurose Middle School
• 2010-2011: Robin Smith, Hamilton International Middle School
• 2010-2011: Noah Zeichner, Chief Sealth International High School
• 2011-2012: Rachel Powers Carrasco, South Shore Pk-8 School
• 2011-2012: Huong Nguyen, West Seattle
• 2011-2012: Svetlana Mamedova, Secondary BOC
• 2011-2012: Kevin Geloff, Interagency Academy
• 2011-2012: Leticia Clausen, Denny International Middle School
• 2011-2012: Elizabeth Burks, Rainier Beach
• 2012-2013: Gretchen Coe, Mercer Middle School
• 2012-2013: Lisa  Kelleher, Denny International Middle School
• 2012-2013: Dr. Shawn Mintek, Franklin High School
• 2013-2014: Amanda Weaver, Cleveland High School
• 2013-2014: Kyung Chung, Denny International Middle School
• 2013-2014: Aimee Schulte, Denny International Middle School
• 2013-2014: Jon  Moor, Denny International Middle School
• 2013-2014: Chia-Chen Chen, Denny International Middle School
• 2013-2014: Jamie Kemano, Rainier Beach
• 2013-2014: Stephanie Melrose, Rainier Beach
• 2013-2014: Chris Quigley, South Shore Pk-8 School
• 2014-2015: Lori Douglas, Chief Sealth High School
• 2014-2015: Paul Fischburg, Chief Sealth High School
• 2014-2015: Gary Lai, Denny International Middle School
• 2014-2015: Jim (Karl) Meyer, Mercer Middle School
• 2015-2016: Nina Potash, Chief Sealth International Middle School
• 2015-2016: Marianne McLaughlin, Asa Mercer International Middle School
• 2015-2016: Laura McCarthy, West Seattle High School
• 2023-2024: Alfreida McKinney, Washington Middle School
• 2023-2024: Alvin Scott Griggs, Franklin High School
• 2023-2024: Sade Brown, Rainier Beach High School
• 2023-2024: Julia Reade, Nova High School
• 2023-2024: Marcus Bradford, Aki Kurose Middle School