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…
Runkle teacher Meghan Walsh explains how a BEF grant helped her student
Runkle School Special Education teacher, Meghan Walsh, sent an email to the BEF thanking us for the Collaborative Grant she and her colleagues received. Below is her email and story (shared with permission): Dear Members of the Brookline Education Foundation, I wanted to take the time, once again, [...]
BEF joins ‘Be More Brookline’
Brookline Food Pantry Brookline Community Foundation Brookline Interactive Group Brookline Music School Brookline Teen Center Brookline Library Foundation Brookline Symphony Orchestra Puppet Showplace Theater Brookline High School Innovation Fund Brookline Community Mental Health Center Brookline Arts Center Steps to Success Voices Boston The Brookline Education Foundation [...]
BEF Establishes the David E. Pradell Award
The BEF is pleased to announce a new annual award for middle-school teachers in memory of David E. Pradell, a beloved teacher at Lawrence and Driscoll Schools for over 30 years. This monetary award will be presented each year to one middle-school Teacher Grant recipient whose work will [...]
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