Longtime education advocate and former Seattle School Board Director recognized for decades of leadership advancing equity and opportunity in Seattle Public Schools.
The Alliance for Education is proud to announce Jill Geary as the recipient of the 2026 Public Education Advocacy Award, recognizing her decades of leadership and wholehearted dedication to strengthening public education in Seattle. Geary will be honored at the 2026 Alliance for Education Gala, Auction & Afterparty on Saturday, May 2 at the Hyatt Regency Seattle.
The Public Education Advocacy Award, now in its third year, celebrates individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to equity and excellence in public education. This year’s awardee has demonstrated an enduring commitment for Seattle Public Schools for them to remain strong, equitable, and responsive to the needs of students and families.
Geary’s decades-long career as an attorney, administrative law judge, and education policy leader has consistently centered equity, collaboration, and the belief that strong public schools are foundational to thriving communities. She also served as an elected Seattle Public Schools School Board Director from 2015–2019.
During her tenure on the Seattle School Board, Geary helped guide policy decisions and oversight affecting thousands of students and families, with particular attention to strengthening special education services and improving collaboration between schools and communities. Her career in family and special education law further exemplifies her commitment to ensuring every child has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
“Jill’s leadership has always been grounded in what’s best for students. She understands the complexity of improving public education and has remained focused on the work that truly moves the needle for students.” said Roxanne Christian, President of the Alliance for Education. “One of the things we most admire about Jill’s leadership is her belief in investing in programs that deliver real results, even if they aren’t the loudest or most visible. Her support for the Seattle Teacher Residency reflects that mindset, understanding that building a strong, diverse, and well-prepared educator workforce is one of the most powerful ways to advance educational justice.”
Today, Geary continues to advocate for children and families through her leadership in the legal community. She currently serves as the first Chair of the King County Bar Association’s Child Law Section, which provides collaboration, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities for child advocates throughout King county. She also contributed to academic scholarship as a co‑editor on a recently published book examining racialized experiences in education.
I am honored to be recognized by the Alliance for Education, and proud to have consistently supported their work,” said Jill Geary, 2026 Public Education Advocacy Award Recipient. “More specifically, I see the Seattle Teacher Residency as the perfect union of Seattle Public Schools, University of Washington, Seattle Education Association, and the Alliance coming together to create invaluable opportunities for future teachers and the public schools and students where they work. The residency is a shining example of equity for our city and our children.”
The Alliance’s 2026 Gala will celebrate the enduring commitment required to support students, families and educators across Seattle Public Schools. Like evergreens that stand strong through changing seasons, the Alliance’s work—and the leadership of advocates like Geary—reflects a steady and powerful investment in the future of Seattle’s students.