Educator & School Awards
The Alliance for Education administers awards and scholarships that celebrate excellence among school leaders, educators and students.
The Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence
The Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence recognizes and honors two outstanding Seattle Public Schools principals who have demonstrated success in promoting educational justice and racial equity at their school. The selection process considers colleague and community nominations, school data, and principal commitment and effectiveness. Principals must have served at least three years in their current school to be eligible for the award. All recipients are publicly recognized and awarded a $25,000 grant to be utilized at their school. The award commemorates Thomas B. Foster, a prominent Seattle attorney who displayed a strong personal commitment to public education. See our previous Foster Award recipients here!
The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award
The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award is given annually to up to five teachers and/or counselors 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 a Title I school. A stipend of $2,500 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. The public 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. See Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award recipients here!
The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award
The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award is given on an annual basis to a Seattle Public Schools science teacher in grades K-8 who has been with the district for at least three years and teaches at a Title I school. A stipend of $5,000 accompanies each award, and may be used at the awardee’s discretion. This award was established to honor Ms. Adrienne Weaver, a former educator who had a love for teaching and science and believed in hands-on learning. See Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award recipients here!
The Margaret Covey Excellence in Teaching Award
The Margaret Covey Excellence in Teaching Award is given annually to a Seattle Public Schools librarian that exemplifies the qualities and values that distinguished Margaret Covey’s teaching career. A stipend accompanies each award, and it can be used at the librarian’s discretion. This award honors Mrs. Margaret Covey, who was a passionate and outstanding teacher in the Seattle Public Schools for over 30 years. See Margaret Covey Excellence in Teaching Award recipients here!