11 educators and staff receive awards recognizing their support for advancing racial equity and educational justice on behalf of students in Seattle Public Schools.
The Alliance for Education is recognizing 11 exceptional Seattle Public Schools (SPS) educators, counselors and staff members with the Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education and Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Awards.
These awards celebrate SPS staff who are making a meaningful impact in advancing educational justice and racial equity in their classrooms and school communities. Since 1999, the endowed awards have provided school-based staff with flexible funding beyond a traditional school budget to support student success. Each recipient receives a $3,000 grant to invest in classroom resources, student learning opportunities or their own professional learning and development.
“Educators and staff are at the heart of every thriving school community, with so many going above and beyond to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed,” said Roxanne Christian, President of Alliance for Education. “These awardees are great examples of being committed to advancing educational justice and equity. We are honored to recognize the ways they uplift students, families and their broader school communities.”
The 2026 selection process was highly competitive, with awardees chosen through a combination of colleague and community nominations, as well as demonstrated growth in school-level data metrics.
Meet the awardees below!
The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award is granted to 8 teachers, counselors, or staff members working in grades 6-12 with students furthest from educational justice. Each recipient received a $3,000 grant. The award honors Mr. Philip B. Swain, a former teacher who was a passionate advocate for public education throughout his life.
- Joanne Davis, Interagency Academy
- Herman García, Denny International Middle School
- Kevin Hiller, Rainier Beach High School
- Lyndsey Johnson, Meany Middle School & Nathan Hale High School
- Ariana Nuñez, Chief Sealth International High School
- Melissa Park, Nova High School
- Noelle Tyau, Denny International Middle School
- Crystal Visperas, Jane Addams Middle School
The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award is granted to three STEM educators. Each recipient received a $3,000 grant. The award honors Ms. Adrienne Weaver, a former educator who had a love for teaching science and a belief in hands-on learning.
- Andy Darring, Pathfinder K-8
- Emily Elasky, Mercer International Middle School
- Lara Megard, Catharine Blaine K-8