Each year, Penn GSE recognizes the extraordinary impact of our community with the Education Alumni Awards, which are given out at the Celebration of Educators during Alumni Weekend on campus. These awards honor the outstanding contributions our alumni make to Penn GSE and the field of education.

This year’s winners are:

  • Rong Wang, GED’12, Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Education program at the Department of Educational Studies in the Academy of Future Education, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University: Penn GSE Educator of the Year

    This award recognizes an outstanding graduate or friend of Penn GSE who demonstrates unusual involvement in and commitment to identifying and helping to resolve school problems and current issues in education. The recipient of this award must be a dedicated educator who is an inspiration, risk-taker, innovator, and role model, and who demonstrates a commitment to the betterment of Penn GSE.

  • David Low, GR’15, Professor of Literacy, Early, Bilingual, & Special Education at California State University, Fresno: Helen C. Bailey Award

    This award recognizes an outstanding Penn GSE graduate who has brought recognition and status to the School and the University of Pennsylvania. The recipient of this award must have made a distinctive contribution to the field of education and Penn GSE, including but not limited to contributions made through research, exceptional professional involvement, or publications.

  • Jordan Tegtmeyer, GED’08, GRD’21, Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration at Princeton University: William B. Castetter Alumni Award of Merit

    This award recognizes an outstanding graduate for significant service to Penn GSE. Service to the School may include volunteering, being an alum leader, serving on the Penn Alumni Board or in Penn Regional Clubs, or other leadership opportunities with the University of Pennsylvania. The recipient should have a longstanding relationship with the School and exemplify volunteer leadership.

  • Elizabeth A. Radday, GRD’10, Director of Research and Innovation at EdAdvance, and 
    Claire Robertson-Kraft, C’04, GR’14, Founder and Executive Director of ImpactEd: Ethel and Allen “Buddy” Carruth Sustained Leadership in Education Award

    Established in 2004 to recognize significant service to the education community by an esteemed graduate or friend of Penn GSE. The award honors the memory of Ethel Carruth, ED'43, a distinguished alumna, benefactor, and friend of Penn GSE. Mrs. Carruth and her late husband, Allen Carruth, left an extraordinary legacy, fostering enthusiastic dedication and support of numerous causes, inspiring benevolence and a lifetime of involvement. Their support of education impacted many in the field and motivated unprecedented achievement and guidance throughout the community. The recipient of this award will serve as an inspiration to others, transcending expectations and providing opportunities in service. 

  • Saad Sahil, GED’22, Education Leader: Kwame Nkrumah Distinguished Alumni Award

    Established in 2019, this award recognizes an illustrious graduate from Penn GSE or the former University of Pennsylvania School of Education who has made distinct and transformative contributions to the field of education in the nation or the world. The award honors Kwame Nkrumah, GED'43, G'44, the first president of independent Ghana. Nkrumah fought for Ghana's independence and was a founding member of the Organization of African Unity. As President, Nkrumah set up a strong system of basic education, initiating compulsory primary education in 1962. In 2000, he was voted African Man of the Millennium by the BBC World Service listeners, who described him as a "hero of independence" and an "international symbol of freedom " as the leader of the first black African country to shake off the chains of colonial rule. 

    The recipient of this award will have made a demonstrative and uncommon impact in education through research, policy, and/or service. Their contribution will have a global impact on improving circumstances for historically oppressed or marginalized communities. The recipient will reflect the values and aspirations of Penn GSE and its commitment to equity and opportunity, and serve as a role model for Penn GSE students and alums.

  • Carlo Cinaglia, GED’16, Assistant Professor of Second Language Education at Florida State University, and Nikole Booker, GRD’24, Senior Advisor of Strategy in the Office of Organizational Development, Talent & Culture at NYC Public Schools: Penn GSE Recent Alumni/Early Career Award of Merit

    This award recognizes outstanding graduates who have shown outstanding service to Penn GSE Education before their 10th reunion year and are setting an inspirational example for future alums of Penn GSE. This includes but is not limited to significant contributions by an individual in their field of endeavor, whether through professional achievement or community service, and the devotion of significant time, energy, and enthusiasm to volunteerism and cultivation.

These exceptional graduates will be honored on Saturday, May 16. This year’s Celebration of Educators will also include a conversation on “AI in Education: What Parents, Teachers, and Schools Need to Know,” followed by a reception.

All members and friends of the Penn GSE community are welcome to attend. Space is limited, so please RSVP.

Media Inquiries

Penn GSE Communications is here to help reporters connect with the education experts they need.

Kat Stein

Executive Director of Penn GSE Communications

(215) 898-9642

katstein@upenn.edu

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