Our Mission
The Brookline Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Brookline’s commitment to excellence in public education. The BEF raises private funds to support innovative teaching, administrative leadership, professional development, and community participation in the schools.
Excellence in public education does not only enhance the well-being of our students, but also that of our entire community. The Brookline Education Foundation brings together educators and private donors to support the mission of the Public Schools of Brookline, which is to ensure that every student develops the skills and knowledge to pursue a productive and fulfilling life, to participate thoughtfully in a democracy, and succeed in a diverse and evolving global society. Not only does the BEF enrich the lives of our students, but it also strengthens the Brookline community, today and in the future.
History
From its start in 1981 as one of the first private local education funds in the country, the BEF has raised over $6 million for the Brookline Public Schools. Supporters and donors include parents, citizens, and businesses who share the belief that strong public schools are essential to the quality of life and future well-being of the town. Now in its 40th year, the BEF is one of the largest and most innovative local education funds in Massachusetts.
The BEF Today
The BEF works closely with the Brookline School Department in a unique partnership, identifying needs and opportunities where its efforts can make a difference to teachers and children. BEF monies are available to educators currently working in the Public Schools of Brookline for new approaches to professional development and systemwide improvements that the schools could not otherwise afford. The BEF seeks out and supports innovation and leadership among teachers and administrators alike. It looks for leverage opportunities where its programs can generate funds from other public and private sectors.
Equity and Excellence for All
The Brookline Education Foundation (BEF) was founded on the principle of supporting excellence in our public schools. For 40 years, the BEF has supported teachers’ work on diversity and inclusion in Brookline classrooms, but still, more needs to be done. The BEF is committed to expanding our focus to ensure that this important work reaches and includes all members of Brookline’s diverse school community. We seek to elevate the voices of underrepresented communities, and we welcome grant proposals from Brookline educators designed to advance and foster our goal of creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environments.
Annual Reports
BEF NEWS
Where the education conversation happens…
May Featured Grants: Music Education at Hayes and Districtwide
Teaching about Roland Hayes in Brookline Music Classes In our May meeting, BEF Board members heard from music educators Meredith Huntley (Hayes), Melodie Linhart (Lawrence) and Becky Vinci (FRR & Lawrence) about two grants from this year, a Collaborative Grant: Teaching about Roland Hayes in Brookline Music Classes, and a [...]
Celebrating Teachers 2025
The BEF was thrilled to hold our annual "Celebrating Teachers" event on Tuesday, May 6 in the BHS STEM Commons. Over 200 Brookline educators and community members were on hand to acknowledge this year's grant, award, and fellowship winners, and to hear inspiring words from this year's two winners of [...]
2025 Caverly Winners!
The BEF is proud to announce the winners of this year's Ernest R. Caverly Awards for Excellence in Teaching! Amanda Kretschmar, Pierce librarian, and Lisa Rodriguez, BHS math teacher, have won this year's prestigious honor. They will deliver speeches and be recognized along with all of this year's grant, award, [...]
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