The Alliance for Education will once again honor educators dedicated to pushing racial equity and educational justice forward within Seattle Public Schools (SPS). The nonprofit organization that provides funding in support district work is now accepting nominations its annual Education Excellence Awards, including two $25,000 grants for outstanding principals and 11 $3,000 grants for educators, counselors and school-based staff engaged in equity work.
In total, more than $80,000 will be distributed through the competitive awards, which reward SPS staff who foster “welcoming, affirming, and high-achieving learning environments for students furthest from educational justice,” according to Alliance for Education spokesperson Ian Coon. 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,” Yonas Fikak, Vice President of Impact, said in a news release. “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. 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.”
Winners of the endowed and community-supported awards receive funding for their schools to use, beyond traditional district allocations, thus expanding resources for students. Award recipients are chosen through a process that centers on 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,” said Regina Carter, principal at Madrona Elementary School and a 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..
Community members are encouraged to nominate principals, educators, counselors, and school staff by midnight on Saturday, March 15, 2026. Submit a nomination online.
