Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today announced it is accepting nominations for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. This federal award honors a school employee who provides exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school.
“School support staff are part of the living infrastructure of our education system,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “Their hard work makes learning possible and deserves to be recognized. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to nominate an outstanding school employee for the RISE Award so we can celebrate their contributions.”
The RISE Award was created to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited by classified school employees. Each state is invited to nominate up to two individuals by November 1, 2024. The U.S. Secretary of Education will select a single winner from all states’ nominations by May 31, 2025.
To be eligible for the RISE Award, an individual must be a full- or part-time non-teaching school employee, including: paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades. Nominations may be submitted by local education agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, or parents and students.
To nominate someone for the RISE Award, complete the online Nomination Form by August 30, 2024. More information about the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award.