The Lindback Awards for Distinguished Principals & Teachers

Since 2011, Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation of Philadelphia has been recognizing and rewarding school principals and teachers who have made significant leadership and humanitarian contributions to his/her school community.

• lead and serve with equity principles in their planning, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation, centering the needs of students and families
• dedicate their time and efforts to public service to benefit the school and community
• demonstrate compassion for other humans by their acts of kindness
• establish high expectations and develop people within their schools and communities
• ensure that conditions and incentives fully support teaching and learning to ensure all students are well prepared to succeed in the 21st century
• create inclusive and diverse school communities

• promote cultural and linguistic inclusivity across various cultures, identities, and backgrounds to cultivate all students’ unique intellect, creativity, talent, and ingenuity
• create a positive, supportive learning environment to advance student proficiency in academic subjects, making learning relevant and fun
  serve as a role model to students
• establish trusting relationships with students, parents, guardians, and community members by being open & accessible for communication
• motivate students to learn, explore and maximize their spirit of inquiry and critical thinking
• demonstrate various instructional strategies to energize students in positive ways

Applications are due by noon, January 12, 2024.

Teacher nominations are due Monday, February 12, 2024.

Yes. Counselors are eligible if they teach a rostered course for which students receive a grade.

Yes. If the SBTL is a teacher of record (teaches a rostered course for which students receive a grade directly from that teacher) for a minimum of 90 minutes each school day.

Any individual can nominate a principal. To formally nominate a principal, schools are required to convene a school-based Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals nomination committee including, but not limited to, the following:

• Two teachers (one of whom shall be a previous Lindback Distinguished Teacher winner, if applicable)
• One parent (elementary schools only)
• One student (high schools only)

Criteria for Principals include, but not limited to:

• Enthusiasm for the success of each student that inspires and motivates others to invest in their time and talent in high-quality learning for all students
• Engagement that supports families, demonstrates passion and kindness that builds unity and civic responsibility across staff, students, families, and community
• Professional commitment to empowering staff in the development and successful implementation of initiatives that better serve students, staff, and the school
• Fostering an environment of mutual respect, appreciation  for differences, open communication and personal accountability for the success of all students
• Empowering staff and other stakeholders to assume responsibility for making decisions regarding the school culture and student achievement.
• Use of robust systems to monitor progress towards goals, mobilizing others at the school to support the work backed by relevant supporting data
• Network Assistant Superintendent endorsement

Any individual can nominate a teacher. To formally nominate a teacher, schools are required to convene a school-based Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers nomination committee including, but not limited to, the following:

• The principal
• Two teachers (one of whom shall be a previous Lindback Distinguished Teacher Winner, if applicable)
• One parent (elementary schools only)
• One student (high schools only)

Criteria for teachers include, but not limited to:

• Creating a positive, supportive learning environment to advance student proficiency in academic subjects, making learning relevant and fun
• Maintaining high expectations and data-informed instruction by using relevant data to inform instructional choices in the classroom
• Proactively building authentic relationships with families and community members by prioritizing time for meaningful engagement at the school, in students’ homes, and in the community
• Making a concerted effort to challenge negative attitudes or practices to ensure that all students, particularly those traditionally underserved, are honored in the school
• Promoting various approaches of pedagogy so that all students can achieve at high levels

In addition, in order to be considered for the award, the candidate must be an employee and appointed as a certified teacher with The School District of Philadelphia. Teachers are eligible for consideration if they have sustained, consistent direct instruction with students and contribute to students’ academic achievement. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please email Lindback@philasd.org.

The Nomination Review Committee will review a specific set of materials for each candidate. Visit our Nomination Process tab for all the information you’ll need and access to the submission portal.

The Lindback Foundation recommends the previous years winners be invited to serve on the nomination selection committee to recommend and score nominated candidates to the Lindback Foundation to be recipients for the current year’s award.