Anyone who is working as public school classified staff member in a non-executive management position, plans to continue working in that capacity through the following school year, and has not already been recognized as a Regional or State Classified School Employee of the Year is eligible for this award.

The Classified School Employee of the Year nominations are accepted online. Anyone can nominate an educator for this award by using the Educator of the Year Nomination Form. OSPI sends the 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.

Selection begins at the ESD, where each region selects their Regional Classified School Employee of the Year and forwards that name to the state. Regional Classified School Employees of the Year are evaluated by a state selection committee. The state committee uses the written application and conducts a panel interview. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• The educator's work is recognized as exceptional, and they have the respect and admiration of their community.
• The educator is committed to professional growth and building deeper connections between schools and communities.
• The educator collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect, success, and care for others.
• The educator is a leader who makes connections between their daily work and student success.

The Classified School Employee of the Year is selected in mid - late August. Regional finalists participate in a leadership retreat. The State Superintendent announces the Classified School Employee of the Year following the leadership retreat during an annual award ceremony.

State and Regional Classified School Employees of the Year -

• Are recognized at the Award Ceremony and Spring Reception at the Mansion.
• Attend a leadership retreat and have opportunities for continuing professional development throughout the year.
• Have opportunities to participate in communications project such as the annual From Seed to Apple collection.
• Identify and advocate for educational issues of particular interest to them and are encouraged to speak or present in their region and around the state.

Additionally, the State Classified School Employee of the Year -

• Serves as Washington's nominee for the the US Department of Education's national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award.
• May be invited to participate in more statewide leadership or encouraged to speak to state level decision makers.