The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is accepting nominations for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award! Created by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the US Department of Education (USED), the award honors classified employees who are often the unsung heroes of our school communities. They engage with students on buses, in classrooms, cafeterias, health offices, and hallways. By working closely with students every day, they help keep them healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged, allowing learning to take place.
A classified school employee is defined as a non-certified (non-teaching) staff member who supports students in grades pre-K through 12. Examples include:
- 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.
Administrators, colleagues, local education agency (LEA) and school staff, parents, students, and community members can all submit nominations. Once all submissions are reviewed, two finalists will be selected to move forward to the federal competition. In spring 2026, USED will select one outstanding individual to receive the RISE award for the year and share the honoree’s inspirational story and contribution to their school community.
Download the information flyer here.
To submit a nomination, please fill out this form no later than Friday, Oct. 10. For questions, please email [email protected].