Congratulations to our 2026 Academy Scholarship & Affiliate Grant Awardees! We are honored to support these exceptional educators on their professional learning journeys. Their dedication to advancing learning for all is both admirable and inspiring.
Fatihah Abdur-Rahman
Stephanie Hirsh Academy Scholarship
Salem City School District, NJ
Fatihah will participate in the Learning Forward Academy to deepen her commitment to equity-driven systems change and high-quality teaching and learning for all students. As an Assistant Superintendent, she leads districtwide efforts in curriculum, instruction, and educator effectiveness, and seek to strengthen their ability to build impactful, job-embedded professional learning systems. She is particularly eager to collaborate with other system leaders to refine strategies that advance evidence-based instruction and equitable outcomes.
Sarah Gavin
Learning Forward Foundation Academy Scholarship
Broward County Public Schools, FL
Sarah will participate in the Learning Forward Academy to further her commitment to designing high-impact professional learning that improves educator practice and student outcomes. As a Professional Development Specialist, she aims to strengthen her leadership capacity and deepen her expertise in standards-based, job-embedded learning. She is especially motivated to collaborate with like-minded educators and apply her learning to real-world challenges to support coherent, sustainable professional learning systems.
Steven Gupton
Sybil Yastrow Memorial Academy Scholarship
Durham Public Schools, NC
Steven will participate in the Learning Forward Academy to strengthen his ability to design and lead professional learning that drives measurable improvements in teaching and student outcomes. In his current role, he is leading a shift toward mentoring as a tool for instructional improvement and is seeking a more research-based, scalable framework to support this work. He aims to enhance systems for measuring impact, aligning supports, and advancing meaningful instructional change that improves teacher effectiveness, retention, and student achievement.
Amy Lawson
Patsy Hochman Memorial Academy Scholarship
Northwest Independent School District, TX
Amy is an experienced elementary principal in Northwest Independent School District with 22 years in education, including 12 in administration, dedicated to supporting students and developing strong educators. She focuses on building collaborative school cultures, prioritizing instructional leadership, and using data-informed practices to meet diverse student needs. She is eager to continue growing as a leader through the Learning Forward Academy and values the opportunity to learn from a highly regarded program and fellow educational leaders.
Sophie Monge
Sybil Yastrow Memorial Academy Scholarship
Bethel School District, WA
Sophie is participating in the Learning Forward Academy to deepen her ability to design professional learning that is both research-aligned and equity-centered. Her work bridges neuroscience, language acquisition, and culturally responsive instruction, and she wants to strengthen how systems of professional learning can dismantle barriers for multilingual learners and historically marginalized educators. The Academy will support her in building sustainable structures that elevate teacher leadership, improve student outcomes, and create lasting cultures of belonging.
Learning Forward Pennsylvania
Dale Hair Affiliate Development Grant
Rhonda Hill * President
The Learning Forward Pennsylvania affiliate will use the grant to strengthen their leadership and board capacity by providing resources, targeted professional development, and access to external expertise. Funding will support training in strategic planning, equity practices, and governance, aligned with Learning Forward’s standards. Together, these investments will enhance board effectiveness and support the affiliate’s long-term growth and sustainability.
