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. We are proud to be celebrating our 45th anniversary this year, having raised and granted over $6 million for Brookline educators’ professional development since 1981!
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…
October Featured Grants: Systemwide
The BEF welcomed Brookline Superintendent Bella Wong to our October Board meeting! Ms. Wong spoke about the important role BEF grants play in supporting Brookline educators and administrators, and how these opportunities can have a lasting impact on our schools. She delivered a status update on this year's Systemwide grants, which include [...]
Metzger Fellows Hard At Work
This year's Margaret Metzger fellows recently completed their week-long workshop, which they spent at a communal work space in Back Bay under the leadership of new program facilitator Dominique Herard. The workshop consists of sharing, introspection, and lots of writing, including receiving and giving feedback on writing and eventually honing [...]
May Featured Grant: BHS Social Studies teacher in Portugal
In May, BEF Board members heard from Jen Hanaghan, BHS social studies teacher who teachers the AP Human Geography course. Jen traveled to Portugal and also spent some time in and around New Bedford, MA, studying the migration patterns and cultural history of the Portuguese populations who emigrated to North [...]
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