Joyce Wilkerson, the longest-serving Philadelphia Board of Education member, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Urban Educator of the Year award, writes Chanel Hill for The Philadelphia Tribune.
The honor is given out annually by the Council of the Great City Schools, the nation’s leading organization for urban public schools. The organization alternates each year between honoring an outstanding superintendent and a distinguished board member from among the 81 largest urban districts in the nation.
Wilkerson received the honor after beating out three other finalists representing other major U.S. cities.
“She has reshaped the educational landscape in Philadelphia through her unwavering advocacy for students, along with her commitment to equity and excellence,” said Council of Great City Schools Executive Director Ray Hart in a statement.
By receiving the honor, Wilkerson also received a $10,000 college scholarship to award to a student in the School District of Philadelphia.
Wilkerson, who began her tenure with the Philadelphia school board in 2016, is the longest-serving school board member in the city. She also served as president of the Board of Education from 2018 to 2022.
Last year, Mayor Cherelle Parker reappointed Wilkerson to the board as president emeritus to honor her continued experience and leadership prowess.
Read more about Joyce Wilkerson and the high honor she recently earned in The Philadelphia Tribune.
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