Welcome to the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education Live Virtual Ceremony
The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education celebrates innovation, inspiration, and impact in education by recognizing outstanding individuals whose accomplishments are making a difference in the lives of students.
Our Heritage
Since its creation, the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education has recognized and celebrated more than 100 remarkable leaders in all areas of education who have had a profound and lasting impact on our world.
In 2020, the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Family Foundation selected the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education as the new home for the Prize.
“Our Prize winners are outstanding leaders who have devoted their careers to closing gaps and accelerating educational opportunity to all students.”
—Harold McGraw III, former Chair, CEO, and President of The McGraw Hill Companies
2021 Prize Winners
Congratulate the Winners & Interact with Attendees from around the Globe!
“It’s very admirable that this Prize has been established because it’s one of the very few that reward educators in such a dignified and respectful way that reinforces our work.”
—Estela Bensimon, 2020 McGraw Prize Winner
A Who’s Who of Educational Leadership
The McGraw Prize was established in 1988 by the Board of Directors of McGraw-Hill to honor Harold W. McGraw, Jr., the Chair and CEO. Throughout his life and building on his grandfather’s legacy as a teacher, Mr. McGraw was a vocal and vigorous advocate for education. He believed that society needed to celebrate the role of educators.
After three decades, the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education continues to shine a spotlight on innovators who are making lasting advancements for students across our nation and around the world. Prize winners include governors and legislators, superintendents and CEOs, university presidents and professors—even a First Lady of the United States—all dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in education.
Program
Welcome
Michael Golden, Emcee for the evening & Executive Director, Catalyst @ Penn GSE
The Legacy of the McGraw Prize video
Opening Remarks
Dean Pam Grossman, Penn Graduate School of Education
Conversation with Dean Grossman, Terry & Sue McGraw
Learn more about the legacy of this award from the children of Harold McGraw Jr.
Winner – Learn Science Research
Carol D. Lee
Winner – PreK-12 Education
Doug & Lynn Fuchs
Winner – Higher Education
Richard G. Baraniuk
Thank You and Announcements
Michael Golden
Closing Remarks
Dean Pam Grossman
Criteria for Selection
The McGraw Prize recognizes individuals in three categories: Pre-K–12 Education, Higher Education, and Learning Science Research. Explore nomination criteria below.
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Leadership - Explain how the nominee provides innovative leadership in their organization and beyond.
Innovation - Provide examples of the nominee’s innovative thinking and practices within Pre-K–12 Education.
Impact - Describe the significant impact the nominee has made on the field of Pre-K–12 Education.
Reputation - Provide evidence that the nominee has earned the respect of their colleagues and peers and continues to inspire others.
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Leadership - Explain how the nominee provides innovative leadership in their organization and beyond.
Innovation - Provide examples of the nominee’s innovative thinking and practices within Higher Education.
Impact - Describe the significant impact the nominee has made on the field of Higher Education.
Reputation - Provide evidence that the nominee has earned the respect of their colleagues and peers and continues to inspire others.
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Leadership - Explain how the nominee has provided mentoring and support for the development of future research scientists.
Innovation - Describe the original research of the nominee that has led to innovations and improvements in educational practice.
Impact - Describe the impact the nominee’s research has had on education in general and/or the learning science disciplines.
Reputation - Describe the nominee’s continuing influence over the learning science discipline.
Do you know the next McGraw Prize winner?
Nominate an innovator for the 2022 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, now through March 1, 2022.
Programs & Upcoming Events
Learn from past McGraw Prize winners in our ongoing webinar series, available on-demand, and look ahead to upcoming programming and events.
Featured Event
Join us for a webinar with 2018 McGraw Prize winner Arthur Graesser, Professor of Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychology and Institute for Intelligent Systems at the University of Memphis.