Tyra Perine Receives Lewandowski Award for Humanitarian Activities

The Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) has named Tyra Perine as the 2021 recipient of the Lewandowski Award for Humanitarian Activities.

Perine, a special education teacher at Putnam Heights Elementary in the Eau Claire Area School District, was selected for the honor by a committee of Wisconsin Public School educators.

This prestigious award preserves and honors the memory of Richard J. Lewandowski by recognizing and encouraging the involvement of WEAC members and affiliates in humanitarian efforts.

Perine has helped grow the Leaders for Just Schools program through the Eau Claire Area School District over the past few years, recruiting over 20 educators to build more equitable schools. In partnership with educators and school leaders, large scale changes were initiated including ensuring there are at least two equity leaders in every district building.

Perine was nominated on behalf of the WEAC Human and Civil Rights Committee for her exceptional commitment to all students. “Mrs. Perine would never want to take credit for the amazing things being done in her district because this work simply cannot be done alone,” said WEAC President Ron Martin, also an Eau Claire teacher. “But it’s clear that Tyra is a powerful force in moving this work forward. She not only continues to advance her knowledge around equity and social justice but always brings other people along with her, showing her leadership in developing more allies in our work.”