The Alliance for Education is inviting community members to nominate Seattle Public Schools leaders and staff for more than $80,000 in competitive grants recognizing excellence in advancing educational justice and racial equity.
The local education fund, which supports Seattle Public Schools, will distribute two $25,000 grants to outstanding principals and 11 $3,000 grants to educators, counselors and school based staff whose work fosters welcoming, affirming and high achieving learning environments for students furthest from educational justice.
In total, more than $80,000 will be awarded through three longstanding honors that provide flexible funding beyond traditional district allocations while spotlighting innovation and leadership in schools.
“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. 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,” said Yonas Fikak, vice president of impact at the Alliance for Education. “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.”
The awards include the Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence, which will provide two principals who have committed three or more years to their schools with $25,000 grants and a surprise celebration. The award commemorates Thomas B. Foster, a Seattle attorney known for a strong personal commitment to public education.
The Philip B. Swain Excellence in Education Award will grant $3,000 each to eight teachers, counselors or staff members working in grades 6 through 12 at a Title I school. The award honors Philip B. Swain, a former teacher and advocate for public education.
The Adrienne Weaver Science Teaching Award will provide $3,000 grants to three science educators teaching grades K through 8 at a Title I school. The award honors Adrienne Weaver, a former educator known for a love of teaching, science and hands on learning.
Award recipients are selected through a process centered on community nominations and informed by school level data related to academics, equity, belonging and social emotional learning.
For many years, these endowed and community supported awards have directed resources into schools to expand opportunities for students and recognize excellence among educators and school leaders.
“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 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, 2026.
Nominations are open through midnight on Saturday, March 15, 2026. Community members are encouraged to nominate principals, educators, counselors and school staff whose work advances educational justice and racial equity across Seattle Public Schools. Nominations can be submitted online at https://www.alliance4ed.org/educator-awards/nominations.
