By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The Alliance for Education, the local education fund for Seattle Public Schools (SPS), is seeking award nominations for SPS principals, educators, and counselors who have exhibited success in advancing educational justice and racial equity in their school communities and classrooms.
Over the years, these endowed awards have provided school staff with additional funding outside of the traditional school budget to recognize excellence and enhance support for students, classrooms, and schools.
Dr. William Jackson, Principal at Nathan Hale and a 2023 Foster Award winner, says that the award was great because it acknowledged the success of the school’s overall academic program.
“This award is really significant because we focus on African American male achievement and on access to advanced coursework. Every student takes advanced courses here at Nathan Hale through college courses while attending high school,” said Jackson. “To earn an award that verifies that work is very rewarding.”
The award categories include:
• The Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence annually recognizes two principals who have a 3+ year commitment to their school with a $25,000 grant and a surprise celebration. 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.
“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.”
According to Ian Coon, Communication Manager for The Alliance for Education, the work of the alliance is intended to combat systemic inequities in public education and foster a more equitable and just education system that allows all students to achieve and thrive.
“These awards are a way to give back,” says Coon. “A way to give back into the classroom for educators, counselors, and school principals who have also bought into that shared mission of helping further educational justice by providing them with the resources they need.”
All are welcome to nominate an educator, counselor, or principal online at www.alliance4ed.org/educator-awards/2024-seattle-public-schools-principal-educator-counselor-award-nominations/ before midnight on Sunday, March 31.