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Eligibility - Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award


Governors, the chief executive of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Outlying Areas determine their state-specific processes for selecting up two nominees to ED. They may consider applications and nominations submitted by local educational agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, private schools and their representatives, parents and students, and any other groups they deem appropriate.

A classified school employee is 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.

Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO)
Page Last Reviewed:
August 6, 2024