August 25, 2021
CARSON CITY, Nev. – Today, Governor Steve
Sisolak’s Office, in partnership with the Nevada Department of Education (NDE),
opened the application period for the 2022 Nevada Recognizing Inspirational
School Employees (RISE) Award. Nominations and applications will be
accepted until September 15, 2021.
The RISE Award, initiated
by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education (USED),
honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service. A classified
school employee is defined as an individual 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.
“The work of our school employees is critically important in providing
Nevada students with the support they need to reach their goals,” said Governor
Steve Sisolak. “Especially right now, it is vital that we take this
opportunity to express our gratitude and recognize the remarkable work of our
school employees throughout the State.”
“I am grateful for the dedicated, resilient, and caring Nevadans who dedicate
their careers to improving our school communities,” said Jhone Ebert, State
Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Our classified employees are
foundational to creating and maintaining safe, healthy, and welcoming
environments for students, educators, and families. I encourage Nevada school
leaders, educators, and community members to submit nominations to recognize your
exceptional classified employees.”
NDE will consider nominations submitted by local educational agencies,
school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations,
educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, parents, and students.
This is the second annual Nevada RISE Award selection. In its inaugural
year, NDE received 21 nominations representing six counties across Nevada.
The two 2021 RISE Award recipients were Mr. Victor Garcia-Mendez at Mark
Twain Elementary School, Carson City School District; and Ms.Kim
Ruiz at Winnemucca Junior High School, Humboldt County Elementary School.
Now, in its second year, NDE has expanded the nomination and application
process to allow for self and community nominations. The 2022 process will also
include a short phone interview with RISE Award nominees who complete the
application.
Nominees must, at a minimum, demonstrate
excellence in the following areas: work performance; school and community
involvement; leadership and commitment; local support (from co-workers, school
administrators, community members, and others who can speak to the nominee’s
exemplary work); and enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the
community and schools.
After applications are submitted on
September 15, NDE will select five finalists for submission to Governor
Sisolak. The Governor will then submit up to two finalists to USED to be
considered for the RISE Award. The award will be announced in Fall 2021 and Nevada’s
nominees and finalists will be honored by Governor Sisolak.
To nominate a classified employee for the
2022 RISE Award, submit information to the 2022 RISE Nomination Form.
Please contact KellyLynn Charles
at kcharles@doe.nv.gov with questions or any needed assistance.
Attachments: 2022 RISE Nomination Form