By Ivy Hoa Nguyen
7/09/25
As Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” The educators honored with the 2025 Lindback Awards are not only shaping what’s possible for students today, but they are also preparing them to thrive in the future. Photo of a Malcolm X mural and his quote.
As Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” The educators honored with the 2025 Lindback Awards are not only shaping what’s possible for students today, but they are also preparing them to thrive in the future. Photo of a Malcolm X mural and his quote.
Photography by Joseph V. Labolito

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University is excited to recognize Temple University alumni who have been recognized with 2025 Lindback Awards for their exceptional contributions to education in the School District of Philadelphia. 

Presented annually by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, these prestigious awards honor outstanding educators and school leaders who are making a lasting impact in their communities. The Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals recognizes seven school leaders with a $20,000 award to invest in their schools, while the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers honors 60 educators who foster high levels of student achievement with a $3,500 award. 

"The 2025 Lindback Award recipients reflect the best of Temple's College of Education and Human Development," shared Monika Williams Shealey, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. "We are proud to amplify the contributions of these amazing educators and leaders who have used their Temple education to advance practices that transform the lives of their students and their families." 

Please join us in celebrating the following alumni named among this year's honorees. 

Distinguished Principal Award Recipients 

  • KaTiedra Argro, EDU '04 | The Philadelphia High School for Girls 
  • Paula Furman, EDU '04 | AMY at James Martin 
  • Marla Travis, EDU '85 | West Philadelphia High School 

Distinguished Teacher Award Recipients 

  • Njemele Tamala Anderson, EDU '02 | Science Leadership Academy at Beeber 
  • Virginia Defelice, CLA '15 | Swenson Arts and Technology High School 
  • Nicole Digiuseppe, EDU '18 | Academy at Palumbo 
  • Juan Espinal, EDU '15 | Swenson Arts and Technology High School 
  • Christopher Frank, EDU '01 | Northeast High School 
  • Sandra Gimenez, CLA '96 | Anna L. Lingelbach School 
  • Judith Grant, EDU '99 | Spring Garden School 
  • Luke Holtje, EDU '08 | Girard Academic Music Program 
  • Tarana Janifer, EDU '13 | Swenson Arts and Technology High School 
  • Seanier Keyes, EDU '04 | John B. Kelly School 
  • Hannah Kleeman, CLA '15 | Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School 
  • Matthew L. Mandel, KLN '91, EDU '95 | CCA Baldi Middle School 
  • Carmen Massa, CPH '02 | George W. Nebinger School 
  • Santo Mazzeo, EDU '13 | Kensington High School 
  • Christine McKeown, EDU '90 | John M. Patterson School 
  • Brett Cammarata Miller, CLA '10 | Feltonville Arts and Sciences 
  • Rabia Oksuz, EDU '18 | CCA Baldi Middle School 

We are especially proud that several of this year's Lindback Award recipients have served as mentors to the CEHD student teachers and Temple Teacher Residency (TTR) residents. Their leadership extends beyond the classroom to inspire the next generation of educators. 

CEHD Student Teacher Mentors 

  • Njemele Tamala Anderson, EDU '02 | SLA at Beeber 
  • Marla Colondres | Swenson Arts and Technology High School 
  • Nicole Digiuseppe, EDU '18 | Academy at Palumbo 
  • Luke Holtje, EDU '08 | Girard Academic Music Program 
  • Tarana Janifer, EDU '13 | Swenson Arts and Technology High School 
  • Rabia Oksuz, EDU '18 | CCA Baldi Middle School 
  • Marian Smith-Baker | Middle Years Alternative (MYA) 
  • Antoine Stroman | William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs 

Finally, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of this year's Lindback Award recipients. Your passion and leadership help create a future filled with opportunity and promise for Philadelphia's students.