What makes a great McGraw Prize nominee?

McGraw Prize winners have worked in all sectors of education, in the United States and around the world. But our winners share an ability to forge new pathways in education. 

Members of the McGraw Prize community explain what makes a great Prize nominee:

Jody Lewen, Higher Education

President, Mount Tamalpais College

“Leading with values, building a really strong team, and creating an institution that provides educational and training opportunities for everybody, including the people running the school.” 

Edmund W. Gordon, 2024 Winner

Director Emeritus, Gordon Institute for Advanced Study at Teachers College, Columbia University

“You have to nurture young minds to answer the ‘what if,’ ‘why not,’ ‘what is possible’ questions.” 

Robert Lerman, 2024 Winner

Emeritus Professor of Economics, American University
Fellow, The Urban Institute
Co-Founder, Apprenticeships for America

“Innovation. Are they doing something that will change what goes on today?”

Katharine O. Strunk

Penn GSE Dean
George and Diane Weiss Professor in Education

“All of them are ingenious and innovative in what they do. It’s someone who is truly leading out of a service mentality, who is thinking about how to make sure kids and educators succeed.” 

Michael Golden

Vice Dean of Innovative Programs and Partnerships, Catalyst @ Penn GSE

“This is a person who is inspiring, who’s taken the harder path, who has created something out of almost nothing.” 

Does this sound like a leader you know? Nominate them before March 1, 2025.