Since 1984, the Ernest R. Caverly Award has been presented to Brookline educators in recognition of professional achievements and contributions to the Brookline Public Schools. Two awards are given annually, one each to a high school and an elementary school educator. Funded by the Brookline Education Foundation, each award consists of a $2,500 stipend and a gift. The educators receiving the awards are designated as Ernest R. Caverly Associates in recognition of their dedication to the ideals of Dr. Ernest R. Caverly, a distinguished public school leader, educator, and Brookline Schools Superintendent from 1931 to 1964.

Previous Caverly Award winners include Ellen Goldberg and Patricia Herrington (2006), Margaret Metzger and Mary Sodano (2005), Stephen Lantos and Jay Sugarman (2004), Mary Burchenal and Sheila Leach (2003), Toni Cradle and Barbara Scotto (2002), and Alanne Duger and Tom Ladenburg (2001).

• Nominees should exhibit exceptional achievement and contributions to the Public Schools of Brookline. In particular, Caverly Award winners exemplify the four core values of the Brookline Public Schools:
  • High academic achievement for all students
  • Excellence in teaching
  • Understanding and respect for human differences
  • Collaborative relationships
• In addition to classroom teachers, nominees may include specialists, guidance counselors, and librarians.
  • Each nominee must have at least seven (7) years of service in the Brookline Public Schools (BPS) to be eligible. Part-time personnel will be considered.
  • While the Caverly Award is not intended as a special recognition for a retiring educator, retiring personnel will be considered.
• Nominations are submitted by colleagues in the form of a written letter.
  • This letter should be no more than 2000 words and include information about the nominee’s background, history in BPS, professional development activities, skills and achievements, and contributions to BPS and beyond. The nomination letter should integrate testimony and anecdotes from various sources.
  • Up to, but no more than, five (5) supporting letters from colleagues, principal, outside experts, parents, or students may be attached to the nomination letter.
• One high school and one elementary educator will be chosen to receive the award by a committee consisting of the Director of Personnel, recent Caverly Award winners, and members of the Board of Directors of the Brookline Education Foundation.
• All nominations must be sent to the Ernest R. Caverly Awards Committee, c/o Personnel Office, on or before Friday, March 23, 2007. The 2007 Caverly Award Associates will be announced at the Brookline Education Foundation’s Annual Meeting and Celebrating Teachers event scheduled for May 22, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. at Newbury College.

Caverly Award Nomination Form