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 2027, 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.
To submit a nomination, please fill out this form no later than Sunday, Oct. 11. For questions, please email [email protected].
2026 DC RISE Award Honorees
John E. Green, Jr.
Transportation Services, Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy
Marquita Holmes
Paraprofessional/OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching Cohort 2 Apprentice, Stanton Elementary School
OSSE acknowledges all the incredible DC nominees for their remarkable contributions!
- Daniela Santos, Medical Assistant Paraprofessional, LAYC Career Academy PCS
- Jeff Hayes, Head of Security, Capital City PCS
- Lori Farrar, School Counselor, Center City PCS Brightwood
- Jazzmyn Julius, Special Education Instructional Coach, AppleTree PCS
- Samuel Cale, Facilities Maintenance Worker, Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy
- Lesley Bryan, Security Officer, Wheatley Education Campus
- Juanita Allen, Food Service Manager, Lee Montessori PCS - Brookland Campus
- Jessica Cates-Bristol, School Social Worker, MacArthur High School
- Teresa Marie Brown, Attendance, Whittier Elementary School
- Gloria Iglesias, Operations Manager, Center City PCS - Brightwood Campus
- Melody Jackson, Administrative Assistant, Center City PCS - Brightwood Campus
- Dominique Austin, Middle School Counselor, Leckie Education Campus
- Cynthia Robinson, Foodservice Worker, Friendship Public Charter School Collegiate Academy
- Tajuana Queen, Food Service Coordinator, Sela PCS
- Antonio Hunter, Custodian, Ida B. Wells Middle School