In accordance with the Governor’s Proclamation 20-25, “Stay Home, Stay Healthy,” and to protect the health and safety of Washingtonians and our employees, at this time, there is restricted public access to the OSPI building. OSPI will continue serving the public via phone, email, and the website.
See OSPI’s COVID-19 guidance and resources for educators, students, and families.
Nominations will reopen in Winter 2021/22
Melito Ramirez
Intervention Specialist
Walla Walla High School
Walla Walla Public Schools
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. 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 2021-22 school year, and has not already been recognized as a Regional or State Classified School Employee of the Year is eligible for this award.
Meet the 2020 Classified School Employees of the Year!
The Classified School Employee of the Year nominations are accepted online. Anyone can nominate an educator for this award by using the Educator Award 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. Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:
The state selection uses the written application selection rubric. Some regions also use this rubric for their selection. Contact your regional educator award coordinator for more information on your region's selection process.
The State Superintendent recognizes the Regional Classified School Employees of the Year and announces the state Classified School Employee of the Year at an annual award ceremony. The state award winner and regional finalists participate 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 Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award.