Linguist Lily Wong Fillmore Named Recipient of Dr. Michael Casserly Legacy Award

  • Lilly Wong Fillmore, a distinguished linguist and educator, was the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Michael Casserly Legacy Award for Educational Courage and Justice. The award was recently presented to Fillmore at the Council’s recent Legislative/Policy Conference during a surprise ceremony via Zoom. 

    “Thank you so much for this, I’m really surprised because I thought I was attending a meeting with Mike,” said Fillmore upon receiving the news she had won the award. “It has been a real joy to work with the Council of the Great City Schools. I can’t tell you what it means to have an opportunity to help. Thank you.”

    Sponsored by Curriculum Associates, the award, named after the Council’s former executive director, recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions in the field of K–12 urban education by taking courageous and passionate stances on the issues of educational justice and equity.

    Fillmore received her Ph.D. in linguistics from Stanford University and was a faculty member of the University of California at Berkeley Graduate School of Education from 1974 to 2004. She focused much of her research, writings, and teachings on the education of multilingual learners.

    After retiring from the Berkley faculty, Fillmore worked with educators in urban school districts to improve academic language and literacy instruction for English and multilingual learners. In 2010, she partnered with the Council and worked with specific member districts to ensure English learners had access to the high-quality, rigorous instruction needed to meet college and career readiness standards.

    “Dr. Lily Wong Fillmore has been the guiding intellectual force behind enriching the language experiences of so many of our urban students, making her most deserving of this award and the scholarship that comes with it,” said Casserly. “Her advocacy for rich and juicy text and her support for the highest standards in language instruction has inspired not only the Great City School staff and membership, but teachers and researchers the world over. Her lifelong work has embodied excellence, courage, and justice at every turn and our children are better off because of her commitment and dedication to their well-being.”

    Council Executive Director Ray Hart praised Fillmore for advocating for the language rights of traditionally marginalized students as well as her groundbreaking work on language acquisition and literacy development for English language learners. “Throughout her distinguished career, Lily’s efforts to create linguistically and culturally affirming learning resources have challenged, inspired, and empowered educators to support the academic needs of multilingual learners,” said Hart. “This award is a fitting tribute to Lily and her dedication and deep commitment to helping historically underserved students attain their greatest potential.”

    The award comes with a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Curriculum Associates. The scholarship is for a graduate from one of the Council’s 78-member school districts who will be selected by Fillmore.

    Fillmore is the third recipient of the Dr. Casserly Legacy Award. Dr. Michael Casserly was the first recipient in 2021 and Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.) was honored with the award in 2022.