The Alliance for Education will distribute more than $80,000 in grants to Seattle Public Schools principals, educators, counselors, and staff advancing educational justice and racial equity in their schools.
The Alliance for Education, the local education fund supporting the Seattle Public Schools district, is investing in school leaders and staff through two $25,000 grants for outstanding principals and 11 $3,000 grants for educators, counselors and school-based staff who are advancing racial equity and educational justice across Seattle Public Schools.
In total, more than $80,000 will be distributed through these competitive awards, which celebrate the dedication of Seattle Public Schools staff who foster welcoming, affirming, and high-achieving learning environments for students furthest from educational justice. The awards include:
- The Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence – Two principals who have committed 3+ years to their schools will each receive 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 – 8 teachers, counselors, or staff members working in grades 6-12 at a Title I school will receive $3,000 grants each. 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 – Three science educators teaching grades K-8 at a Title I school will each be awarded $3,000 grants each. The award honors Ms. Adrienne Weaver, a former educator who had a love for teaching, science and a belief in hands-on learning.
“We believe honoring and resourcing the people closest to students is one of the strongest ways to invest in creating an excellent and equitable education system. These awards recognize educators and school staff who lead with equity, care, and excellence making a lasting difference in the lives of Seattle’s young people,” says Yonas Fikak, Vice President of Impact at the Alliance for Education. “At a time when public education faces insufficient investment for true transformation and undeserved scrutiny, honoring and uplifting our educators becomes more urgent than ever.”
For many years, these endowed and community-supported awards have directed flexible funding into schools beyond traditional district allocations. The awards both spotlight excellence and innovation while expanding resources for students. Award recipients are chosen through a process that centers and prioritizes community nominations while incorporating school-level data around academics, equity, belonging and social-emotional learning.
“I am proud to be the principal of Madrona. This is the neighborhood where my grandparents used to live and the school where many of my family members attended. Education is important to my family. They taught me that education is a gift that not everyone receives. Every day at Madrona we get to give students that opportunity, making sure they receive high quality instruction,” says Regina Carter, Principal at Madrona Elementary School and 2025 Foster Award winner.
Award winners will be announced later this spring and recognized at the Alliance for Education Gala, Auction + After Party on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Nominations are now open. Community members are encouraged to nominate principals, educators, counselors, and school staff by midnight on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
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 crucial challenges facing Seattle students, families and educators. Our mission is to support excellence in education by advancing educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools. Our work is collaborative as we seek to address systemic inequities in public schools and create a more equitable and just education system that allows all Seattle students to thrive.