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Nominations are open for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award 

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Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Education

The 2024-25 application period for the North Carolina Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award is open through Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. The award, passed by Congress in 2019 and administered by the U.S. Department of Education, honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service, according to this press release.

The website of the U.S. Department of Education says, “Public and private school employees are both eligible for nomination by their states,” including preschools, local public schools, charter schools, and private schools.

“School employees are the backbone of our education system,” says Gov. Roy Cooper. “They work tirelessly behind the scenes to support students, teachers, and families. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes of North Carolina schools and the crucial work that they do every day.”

Classified school employees include these 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.

Those nominated can be a part-time or full-time employee who works in any grade from pre-K through high school.

Nominees should demonstrate excellence in the following:

  • work performance;
  • school and community involvement;
  • leadership and commitment;
  • local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work); and
  • enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools.

School districts, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, private schools and their representatives, parents, and students may nominate employees, according to the press release.

Two winners will be selected from North Carolina, and their names will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by Nov. 1.

The U.S. Secretary of Education will announce the RISE Award in spring 2025.

Nominate your unsung education hero for the 2024 RISE Award by Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.