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As classrooms around the nation begin to come alive for the new academic year, the ������������ Graduate School of Education (GSE) celebrates the educators at the heart of it all. The annual Alumni Excellence in Education Award (AEEA) is the highest honor bestowed by the GSE in recognition of the extraordinary achievements of alumni who exemplify excellence in their work, embody the values of the GSE, and extend its impact far beyond the university.

This year’s AEEA honorees are Tina Cheuk, Laura Evans, and Heather Kirkpatrick. Through research, transformative teaching, and pioneering leadership, each distinguished honoree has made a lasting impact on the educational landscape. 

“AEEA offers a chance to reflect on the collective impact that GSE alumni have had on education and the communities they serve,” Dean Dan Schwartz said. “For over a decade, we’ve had the opportunity to publicly recognize and celebrate alumni for achievements ranging from being exceptional teachers here in California to transforming entire school systems in faraway nations.”

Each year, award recipients are selected by a committee of GSE alumni, faculty, and the dean. The nomination and selection process has continually evolved over the years to ensure the awards are equitable, inclusive, and reflective of the broader alumni population. 

Director of Alumni Relations Marly Solebello said the yearlong process of determining each year’s award winners is essential to the success of the program. “One of the reasons this award is so meaningful is that it is an award decided upon by their peers. Any graduate of the GSE can be nominated, and every nomination is thoroughly considered by our alumni and faculty who care deeply about this community and the work our alumni do in service to education.”

Moolani Napolitani, MA’06, chair of the nominating committee, has participated in the award process for 11 years. “I am honored to be counted among such accomplished professionals as part of the GSE community,” she said. “Bringing visibility to their work not only celebrates the award winners but also elevates the profession of education and all that’s possible as a career path.” 

Tina Cheuk

Dr. Tina Cheuk, MA ’07, PhD ’19, is a tenured associate professor of elementary science education at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her work focuses on expanding access to high-quality science and bilingual education, with a sharp focus on equity and student-parent success. She has advised the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, has contributed to the California State Literacy Plan, and serves on the advisory board for the California Alliance for Student Parent Success. Dr. Cheuk leads teacher preparation and research efforts that shape educational policy and practice nationwide. 

“Since graduating from ������������ in 2019, Tina has emerged as a transformational leader whose advocacy and dedicated strategies have advanced practices and policy supporting student parents, an often invisible population,” said Ann Jaquith, GSE lecturer and director of the Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies master's program.

Laura Evans

Laura Evans, MA ’97, has spent over 25 years championing equitable mathematics instruction. Her teaching and coaching are rooted in the belief that all students deserve access to math as a meaningful, creative, and collaborative endeavor. Through her work with ������������ Teacher Education Program (STEP), the Knowles Teacher Initiative, and the San Mateo-Foster City School District, she has guided hundreds of educators in designing inclusive math experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence. 

One of the newest AEEA nominating committee members, Vaibhavi Gala, MA '00, captured Laura’s impact well: “‘I can do math!’ These words are magical to hear, yet still too rare. Laura hasn't just helped students believe them in her classrooms; she's sparked a systemic shift through a range of powerful initiatives and programs, making math confidence a reality for thousands.”

Heather Kirkpatrick

Dr. Heather Kirkpatrick, PhD ’00, is the president and CEO of Alder Graduate School of Education. Heather began her career in service and teaching before helping to grow Aspire Public Schools from two to 40 schools, ultimately launching Alder GSE as a pioneering residency-based graduate program. 

“I cannot overstate the importance of Heather's contribution to the field in creating a teacher preparation program that produces one of the highest number of teachers in California who are most likely to stay in teaching and excel in the classroom,” said Professor Susanna Loeb.

Celebrating the awardees

“When I think of the Alumni Excellence in Education Awards, it’s a little like graduation,” Schwartz said. “Graduation isn’t for the students; it’s for the parents. For the awardees of AEEA, it’s great, but the program is really for the rest of us—to be able to celebrate these amazing accomplishments.” 

This year’s awardees will be celebrated at a ceremony on October 17, 2025, during ������������’s reunion weekend. 

AEEA is made possible by the generosity and vision of Angela Filo, ’93, and David Filo, MS ’90, and the philanthropic support of the Skyline Foundation and others.