The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is pleased to announce the launch of the Arkansas Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award Program. 

Created by Congress in 2019 and administered by the U.S. Department of Education, the National RISE Award recognizes and promotes the commitment, excellence, and exemplary service of classified school employees who make a meaningful difference in the lives of students every day. 

Classified school employees play a vital role in supporting student success and school operations. Eligible employees include those serving in paraprofessional, clerical and administrative, transportation, food and nutrition, custodial and maintenance, security, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades positions. 

For the first time, Arkansas will conduct a statewide nomination process to identify exceptional classified school employees whose dedication, leadership, and service positively impact students, schools, and communities. Through this process, ADE will select up to two Arkansas nominees for submission to the U.S. Department of Education for consideration in the National RISE Award Program. 

Areas of Excellence

Work Performance: Evidence of exceptional job performance, reliability, initiative, and measurable impact on students, staff, school operations, or the learning environment. 

School and Community Involvement: Meaningful engagement with students, families, schools, and community organizations that supports student success and strengthens the educational community. 

Leadership and Commitment: Demonstrated leadership, initiative, innovation, dedication, collaboration, and commitment to students, colleagues, and the school mission. 

Local Support: Recognition and support from coworkers, school leaders, students, families, and community members who can speak about the nominee’s exemplary service and positive impact. 

Enhancement of Classified School Employees' Image in the Community and Schools: Actions that elevate the reputation, value, and contributions of classified school employees through professionalism, service, leadership, and positive representation. 

Other Exceptional and Pertinent Contributions (Optional): Additional accomplishments or contributions that further demonstrate the nominee’s exceptional impact and service. 

Successful nominations should provide specific examples and evidence demonstrating the nominee's accomplishments, impact, leadership, service, and contributions to student success, school improvement, and community engagement. 

The Arkansas Department of Education encourages school districts and public charter schools to identify and nominate outstanding classified employees whose service exemplifies professionalism, innovation, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to students. 

Eligible Employees 

Eligible classified school employees include individuals serving in the following occupational specialties: 

Arkansas RISE Award Nomination Application: Apply Here 

Submission Deadline: All nomination materials must be submitted no later than October 8 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time (CT). 

The Arkansas Department of Education looks forward to celebrating the exceptional classified school employees whose work strengthens Arkansas schools and supports student achievement across the state. 

For questions regarding the Arkansas RISE Award Program, please contact Capri Salaam at capri.salaam@ade.arkansas.gov.