Alumni Excellence in Education Award
The Alumni Excellence in Education Award (AEEA) is the highest honor bestowed by the Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE). This prestigious award celebrates the exceptional contributions of GSE alumni who demonstrate excellence in the field of education, embodying its values and advancing its impact. Join us in recognizing those who are making a lasting difference in the lives of students, our communities, and the broader educational landscape.
We welcome alumni and friends to the Alumni Excellence in Education Award (AEEA) Ceremony & Reception to celebrate our award honorees. Each year, we host the event on the Friday evening of Reunion Homecoming.
If you are affiliated with the GSE and are interested in attending the event, please contact Marly Solebello at marlys@stanford.edu.
ANNOUNCING THE 2025 ALUMNI EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION HONOREES
Tina Cheuk, MA ’07, PhD ’19
Policy, Organization and Leadership Studies
Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education
Cheuk is an associate professor of Elementary Science Education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, recognized for her research and teacher preparation initiatives that expand access to high-quality science and bilingual education. She is dedicated to supporting student parents and multi-generational success, and actively engages in collaborations with state and national organizations.
Laura Evans, MA ’97
Stanford Teacher Education Program; Middle School Math Teacher, San Mateo Foster City School District
Evans is acknowledged for her over 25 years of dedication to advancing equitable mathematics education, and for her coaching and leadership in professional development initiatives with various organizations, including the Stanford Teacher Education Program, the Knowles Teacher Initiative, and the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
Heather Kirkpatrick, PhD ’00
Education Administration and Policy Analysis; Founder, President & CEO of Alder Graduate School of Education
Kirkpatrick is a distinguished leader in education, currently serving as the president and chief executive officer of Alder Graduate School of Education. She is renowned for her contributions to the field, including leading a residency program to develop teachers and principals at Aspire Public Schools, serving as chief people officer, and expanding the organization from two schools in 2000 to 40 schools by 2016.
Nominate a GSE alum!
“AEEA offers a chance to reflect on the collective impact that GSE alumni have had on education and the communities they serve. 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.”
Nomellini & Olivier Professor of Educational Technology
The Halper Family Faculty Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning
