Rise Award logo

The Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award was created by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education.  This award honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service to their school communities.

For this award, a classified school employee is defined as an employee of a state or any political subdivision of a state, or an employee of a nonprofit entity, who works in any grade from pre-kindergarten through high school in any of the following occupational specialties:

  • paraprofessional,
  • 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. 

Each Child, Our Future, Ohio’s five-year strategic plan for education, recognizes the positive impact these caring adults have on the lives of students throughout the school day. They play a critical role in providing whole-child supports and contributing to student success.

Nominees must demonstrate excellence in the following areas:
(A) Work performance;
(B) School and community involvement;
(C) Leadership and commitment;
(D) Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work);
(E) Enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.  

Individuals, local educational agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, private schools and their representatives, parents and students and other groups may submit nominations using the nomination form on the Ohio Department of Education website.

The U.S. Secretary of Education will select a single classified school employee from among the nominees to receive the RISE Award by spring 2022. 
 

2020 Ohio Rise Awardees

Cerssandra McPherson

Barb Ward

Last Modified: 1/14/2022 2:46:36 PM