In 2019, Congress passed, and the U.S. Department of Education will now oversee a new recognition award recognizing classified school employees.  The Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award honors classified school employees on a national level who provide exemplary service to students. 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 prekindergarten 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 school division Superintendent or designee may submit one application for a classified school employee to be considered for the RISE Award.