Honored educators at the Lindback Award ceremony celebrating their dedication to education.
Sixty teachers in the Philadelphia School District have received the 2025 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, each being awarded $3,500. This honor reflects their dedication and impact in the classroom. Additionally, seven principals have been recognized for their leadership, receiving grants to fund community-benefiting projects. The Lindback Award serves as a testament to the commitment towards improving educational outcomes and fostering an inclusive environment for students.
Philadelphia – Sixty teachers in the Philadelphia School District have been recognized with the 2025 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, receiving $3,500 each for their dedication to education. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional work of educators who have demonstrated significant commitment and talent in their classrooms.
The selection process for the awards involved nominations submitted by school administrators across the district, with approximately 9,000 educators eligible. A panel composed of representatives from the school system and the Lindback Foundation made the final decisions on awardees. Each honoree exemplifies notable dedication, positively impacting their students and fostering growth and learning in their respective schools.
The awards ceremony, held today, celebrated the achievements of the distinguished educators, including Melissa Bragg, William Lawrence, Nichole Polk, Awilda Balbuena, KaTiedra Argro, and Marla Travis Curtis, among others. Their contributions to the educational landscape in Philadelphia have been substantial, making a difference in the lives of many students.
In addition to the teachers, seven principals from the Philadelphia School District received Lindback Foundation awards for distinguished leadership. Each principal will receive a $20,000 grant aimed at funding projects that will benefit both students and the broader community. For instance, Paula Furman plans to utilize her award money for arts-based experiences and parental engagement at AMY at James Martin, while Marla Travis Curtis intends to enhance career technical education at West Philadelphia High School by establishing a new recording studio and fine arts lab.
Other award-winning initiatives by principals include enhancing digital media and robotics programs at Potter-Thomas Elementary School and creating a mental health promotion space at the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Additionally, students at Gloria Casarez Elementary will benefit from a team-building trip funded by Awilda Balbuena’s award, aimed at improving their social-emotional skills. William Lawrence plans to provide modern learning tools and conduct community workshops at John Marshall Elementary School, further enhancing the educational experience for students.
Marla Travis, principal of West Philadelphia High School, who has spent 36 years in educational roles, emphasizes the importance of open-door policies and student engagement. Under her leadership, enrollment at West Philadelphia High School has increased significantly, growing from 300 to 800 students in just six years. This growth can be attributed to the implementation of innovative programs designed to inspire students and cater to their academic and extracurricular interests.
The Lindback Award serves as a reflection of a broader commitment to improving educational outcomes in Philadelphia. It reinforces the crucial role that dedicated teachers and visionary leaders play in shaping a positive and inclusive school environment. The recognition also highlights the contributions of African American female principals, acknowledging their vital leadership roles within their communities.
As the honored educators and principals from this year continue to engage with their students and communities, the initiatives supported by the Lindback Award will undoubtedly further enrich the educational experience across the Philadelphia School District, fostering a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
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Seven Philadelphia School Principals Receive Lindback Awards
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