The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
We’re looking for school support professionals in pre-K-12 and higher education who are doing extraordinary things every day in our nation’s schools.
Along with a strong foundation in reading, writing, math and other core subjects, our students must also have their most basic needs of health, safety and character addressed in schools. According to research, low income students now make up a majority of public school students, with one in five students living below the federal poverty level. Educators recognize that without the resources they need at home, students cannot achieve at their highest levels. Educators, including school support professionals, often go above and beyond to meet all of the needs of students so they can achieve success both inside and outside of the classroom.
The White House is excited to honor and celebrate the incredible work of school support professionals, who make up one-third of our nation’s education workforce. These educators play a critical role in education and are doing extraordinary things in our schools. Whether it is the paraeducator who starts an after school tutoring program; the clerical staff person who develops a backpack food program for hungry students; the school bus driver who encourages reading on their bus; the custodian who collects clothing, school uniforms and toiletries for students in need; or the school nurse who mentors young girls after school, school support professionals make significant contributions to the health, safety, engagement, support and academic success of students. They ensure student success by taking the vision of the whole student into action every day and in every school.
We are looking to honor Champions of Change who have worked in their schools, colleges or universities to ensure that students receive the support and motivation they need to be ready to learn. The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.
Nominees should include school support professionals employed in the following nine careers in pre-K-12 and higher education:
- Clerical services
- Custodial and maintenance services
- Child nutrition services
- Health and student services
- Paraeducators
- Security services
- Skilled trades
- Technical services
- Transportation services
These nominees should be individuals who are doing extraordinary things in their schools and communities to prepare our children and students for the future and who are uniting and inspiring others to do the same.
Click the link below to submit your nominations. Nominations are due by 11:59 PM on March 25, 2016.
We look forward to hearing your stories and sharing the outstanding work that school support professionals are doing to make sure every student is motivated and ready to learn.
