Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award
The RISE Award is given each year to classified education support employees who are doing extraordinary and inspirational things in their schools and communities to promote quality education, foster safe and positive learning environments, and ensure student success.
The RISE Award was created by CSEA and the National Coalition of Classified Education Support Employee Unions to honor the individual contributions, and to recognize the essential role that all education professionals play in education. Along with all other educators (teachers, administrators, specialized instructional support personnel, and higher education faculty), these dedicated employees must be recognized for their invaluable contributions to student success.
There are more than 2.8 million classified education support employees in our nation’s public schools, colleges, and universities and they make up one-third of the public education workforce. They ensure students achieve at their highest levels. They keep students fed, emotionally and physically healthy and safe, engaged and connected to the larger school community, and provide instruction and support that leads to academic success.
Classified education support employees work in the following nine career families:
- Child nutrition services
- Clerical services
- Custodial and maintenance services
- Health and student services
- Paraeducators
- Security services
- Skilled trades
- Technical services
- Transportation services