Ryland Brown Named 2026 Black Male Educator of the Year
Ryland Brown has been named the 2026 Black Male Educator of the Year by the Academy for Creating Excellence (ACE), a Seattle nonprofit that empowers Black male youth and adults. The NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington State Area Conference congratulates him on an honor that celebrates great teaching and real investment in students.
- Honoree: Ryland Brown
- Current role: Math teacher, O’Dea High School, Seattle
- Also: One of Seattle’s premier basketball coaches
- Teaches: Algebra 1 and Algebra 2
- Awarded by: The Academy for Creating Excellence (ACE), Seattle
- NAACP AOWSAC position: Students thrive when they see themselves in their teachers
A Family Legacy of Teaching
Brown carries forward a tradition of educators in his own family. He has served students in both Seattle public and private schools, and he enters the classroom with a clear mission: share knowledge, open doors and give students who look like him a teacher who affirms who they are.
Making Math Make Sense
In Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, Brown meets students where they are. Colleagues and families point to strategies like “think, ink and share” that make rigorous math approachable, bring back learners who have fallen behind, and build a work ethic his former students carry into college and careers.
On the Court and in Life
Brown is also one of Seattle’s premier basketball coaches. His coaching extends the same lessons beyond the classroom: character, teamwork and discipline. Families say he takes time to listen to their hopes for their children and partners with them in their growth.
Brown is honored alongside Daman Hunter, the 2026 Black Male Administrator of the Year. Congratulations to both men.
Learn more about ACE and its programs for Black male youth and educators.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Black Male Educator of the Year
1. Who is the 2026 Black Male Educator of the Year?
Ryland Brown, a math teacher at O’Dea High School in Seattle.
2. Who gives the award?
The Academy for Creating Excellence (ACE), a Seattle nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black male youth and adults.
3. How are winners chosen?
Through a peer selection process. ACE reported a record number of nominations this year.
4. What does Ryland Brown teach?
Algebra 1 and Algebra 2.
5. Who else was honored in 2026?
Daman Hunter, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources in the Kent School District, was named Black Male Administrator of the Year.
