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The nomination process is open for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, which honors full- or part-time non-teaching school employees.

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The award was created in 2019 to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited for full- or part-time school employees who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through high school. 

Among those who can be nominated for the award include full- or part-time non-teaching school employees or public pre-k or nonprofit private or non-public nursery-12th grade institution employees in the following positions:

• Paraprofessionals
• Clerical and administrative services
• Transportation services
• Food and nutrition services
• Custodial/maintenance services
• Security services
• Health and student services
• Technical services and skilled trade

Those who can nominate include educational agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofits, parents, and students.

Information that is necessary to include in a nomination includes:

• Nominator’s name, connection to nominee, phone number, and email address
• Nominee’s name, position, phone number, and email address
• Reasons for nomination
• Nominee’s employer information: local education agency’s name, school’s name, school’s address, chief school administrator’s and principal’s names, phone numbers, and email addresses

For more information on how to nominate someone for the RISE Award, visit the Department of Education’s website.