HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is rallying Pennsylvanians to honor the unsung heroes of school systems – the non-teaching staff whose dedication and service often go unnoticed. PDE recently announced it is accepting nominations for the federal Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, a prestigious honor given to school support staff who provide exemplary service to students from 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 established to spotlight the commitment and excellence of classified school employees. These individuals are often the backbone of school operations, ensuring schools function smoothly and students receive the necessary support they need to succeed. They may not be in the limelight, but their roles are pivotal to the overall success of the educational system.
Each state is invited to nominate up to two individuals for the award by November 1, 2024. The U.S. Secretary of Education will then select a single winner from all states’ nominations by May 31, 2025.
Eligibility for the RISE Award extends to full- or part-time non-teaching school employees. This includes paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative staff, transportation personnel, food and nutrition staff, custodial and maintenance workers, security personnel, health and student services staff, technical services staff, and skilled tradespeople. Nominations can be submitted by local education agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, or even parents and students.
The nomination process is simple, requiring the completion of an online Nomination Form by August 30, 2024. More information on the RISE Award can be found on PDE’s website.
This is a golden opportunity for Pennsylvanians to shine a light on those who work behind the scenes in our schools, contributing to the education and well-being of our children. If you know a school employee who goes above and beyond in their service, consider nominating them for the RISE Award. Let’s celebrate these individuals and the invaluable contributions they make to our education system.
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