Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, has been awarded the Washington Education Association (WEA) Friends of Public Education award.

This year, the WEA honored Sen. McAuliffe for her strong leadership in public education through the following efforts:

* With fellow legislators, McAuliffe held nine listening tours with WEA members, teachers and school administrators across the state to listen to their K-12 concerns.

* McAuliffe sponsored the federal grant and education reform Race to the Top bill (SB 6696) which will change an archaic evaluation system while honoring teachers moving forward.

* McAuliffe fought hard during this past session to protect K-12 and higher education funding.

* McAuliffe has always put education first.

“I believe all citizens want the best possible education for our kids, and we are on our way to achieving this,” said McAuliffe. “Meaningful education reform deserves elaborate discussion with educators, parents and the community, engaging them in the process. I believe together we can jump hurdles instead of creating road blocks. At the end of the day, we are all working towards the same goal of supporting our kids in the classroom.”

The award was established by the WEA in April 2000 in recognition of Sen. Al Bauer, D-Vancouver, for his many years of service in the Washington State Legislature and continued support of public education.

The award is presented to individuals who uphold his legacy of service and support.