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 the2022 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.