Educator & School Awards
The Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence
The Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence annually recognizes and honors two outstanding Seattle Public Schools principals who have demonstrated success in promoting educational justice and racial equity at their school. The award commemorates Thomas B. Foster, a prominent Seattle attorney who displayed a strong personal commitment to public education. All recipients are publicly recognized and awarded a $30,000 grant to be utilized at their school. The selection process requires the following criteria to be eligible for the award:
- Having served at least three years in their current school
- Being nominated by a colleague or community member(s)
- Promoting educational justice and racial equity at their school
- School level data representing principal commitment and effectiveness
The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award
The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award is given annually to 8 teachers, counselors or staff in Seattle Public Schools who promote educational justice and racial equity at their school. The award honors Mr. Philip B. Swain, a former teacher who was a passionate advocate for public education throughout his life. All recipients are publicly recognized and awarded a $3,000 grant to be utilized for continuing professional development, for travel associated with such development or for classroom projects or supplies. The selection process requires the following criteria to be eligible for the award:
- Being nominated by a colleague or community member(s)
- Promoting educational justice and racial equity at their school
- Having worked in the district for at least three years
- Teaching in grades 6-12
- Teaching at a Title I school
The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award
The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award is given annually to three science teachers in Seattle Public Schools who promote educational justice, racial equity and hands-on STEM learning at their school. This award honors Ms. Adrienne Weaver, a former educator who had a love for teaching and science and believed in hands-on learning. Recipients are publicly recognized and awarded a $3,000 grant to be used at the awardee’s discretion. The selection process requires the following criteria to be eligible for the award:
- Being nominated by a colleague or community member(s)
- Having worked in the district for at least three years
- Teaching in grades K-8
- Teaching science or STEM content
- Teaching at a Title I school
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. This award honors Mrs. Margaret Covey, who was a passionate and outstanding teacher in the Seattle Public Schools for over 30 years. A grant of $1,000 accompanies the award and can be used at the librarian’s discretion.