SUPPORT FOR RECOGNIZING INSPIRATIONAL SCHOOL EMPLOYEES AWARD

Resolutions Committee recommends concurrence.

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Education has developed an award for classified employees—the Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award—to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited by the employees who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through high school; and

WHEREAS, the contribution of paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs) to the school community is integral, significant and deserving of recognition; and

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers represents more than 370,000 paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodial and maintenance employees, healthcare employees, clerical employees, secretarial staff, and other support staff (PSRPs) in schools across the nation; and

WHEREAS, the AFT and our local affiliates have numerous classified members who provide exemplary service to students, their communities and their school districts each day all over the country and would be deserving of RISE award recognition:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers supports and affirms the RISE award and the recognition it brings to the PSRP professions; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will provide guidance and support to affiliates that wish to put forth PSRP members for consideration of the RISE award; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will develop a best-practices toolkit for affiliates on how to submit their members for RISE award consideration.