Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Education have opened the 2024 Wyoming RISE Award application through October 18. Passed by Congress in 2019 and overseen by the U.S. Department of Education (USED), the award honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service.
Parents, students, local educational agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, private schools and their representatives, and other groups are eligible to nominate individuals for this award.
A classified school employee can be someone 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.
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, etc., who can speak to the nominee’s exemplary work), and enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and schools. Letters of recommendation can be cited.
The top two applicants in Wyoming will be nominated to USED by November 1. The department will then select a single employee to receive the award in spring 2025. Governor Gordon will honor nominees and finalists. In addition, if a state finalist is selected to be the national honoree, the USED will recognize the honoree and communicate his or her story to inspire excellence among classified school employees.
For more information, contact Madison Lacey, Teacher Leadership & Awards Consultant, at madison.lacey@wyo.gov or 307-777-6840.
