The Classified School Employee of the Year program recognizes one classified employee from each of Washington's educational service districts every year. A selection committee choses the state Classified School Employee of the Year from this group of regional finalists.

The award is available to any classified school or district employee working at least half-time.

Meet the current Classified School Employees of the Year

Submitted Nominations

OSPI sends your nominee, their supervisor, and their regional coordinator a copy of the nomination and a link to the online application. The application includes biographical information, a few essays, and letters of recommendation. Nominees must submit an application to be considered for their region's finalist.

Recipient Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• The educator has the respect and admiration of their community.
• The educator collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success.
• The educator is a leader who makes connections between their daily work and student success.

The state selection uses the selection rubric. Some regions also use this rubric for their selection. Contact your regional coordinator for more information on your region's selection process.

Recipient Recognition

The State Superintendent recognizes the regional finalists and announces the state Classified School Employee of the Year at the annual spring award ceremony hosted at the Old Capitol Building (OSPI) in Olympia. The state award winner and regional finalists partcipate in a year of leadership development and are invited to several annual recognition events including the Reception at the Mansion for award-winning educators. The state award winner is Washington's nominee for the the US Department of Education's national Recognizing Inspirational School Employees award.