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…
Celebrating Teachers 2026
More than 150 Brookline educators and community members gathered in the BHS STEM Commons to honor this year's BEF grant, fellowship, and award winners, and to hear inspiring words from this year's Caverly winners, Carolyn Castellano and Jen Nixon Mathis. Thank you to everyone who attended, and congratulations [...]
Caverly Winners for 2026
The BEF is delighted to announce this year's winners of the Ernest R Caverly Award for Excellence in Teaching: Jen Nixon Mathis, wellness educator at FRR, and Carolyn Castellano, music educator at BHS. Congratulations! We look forward to hearing from you when we honor all of this year's [...]
February Featured Grant: Taiwan Travels
February Featured Grant: Taiwan Travels: An Immersive Understanding of East Asian Culture Emma Siver teaches 11th grade English and the 9-12 grade African-American and Latinx Scholars program at Brookline High School—a program for students who identify as African-American or Latinx with a history and identity curriculum. When she received a [...]
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