By: Frances W. Hopkins, Director of the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award and Director of President’s Education Awards Program.
A charge: Shine a Light on the staff that have been designed to have such impact within the school walls. These staff are often not highlighted nor recognized nearly enough. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is thrilled, along with the RISE Coalition, to honor one exemplary classified school employee who provide service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school. In addition, this person exhibits extraordinary support to the school. The department along with the Governor of each state are honored to show our support and to generate appreciation for all classified employees under the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. This is the fourth year of the award, with nominations from governors and state education agencies, often working together, due by November 1 annually.
ED received 27 nominations from 15 states, including nominations for custodians, cafeteria workers, nutrition workers, security personnel, paraprofessionals, and other support employees. Their contributions to students, schools across their state district – especially over the last few years during and after the challenging pandemic year – were impactful. Peer reviewers noted just how “impactful” the work is of all the nominees and each of their role is very unique to building a solid foundation within our schools across the United States. They expressed hope that with the help of all state involvement, will bring a light to the importance of all support employees – that serve in the capacity as a classified employee more states will participate in nominating in the upcoming year! ED is encouraging every participating state to honor its nominees in their own way during this program year. For more information, see the link: www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/illinoiss-mario-diaz-albarran-named-2024-%E2%80%98recognizing-inspiring-school-employees%E2%80%99-rise-honoree
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona ultimately selected Mario Diaz Albarran – Head Custodian – Lincoln Elementary School, Palatine, Illinois. He made the announcement via video: youtu.be/tB4jg0Z7Yvw
As Head custodian Mario Diaz Albarran is known for his dedication, attention to detail, and connections with students and staff alike at Lincoln Elementary in Palatine District 15. His impact can be seen throughout campus where he’s brightened up the walls with school colors and murals that display schoolwide goals.
He also makes sure the school is spotless and teachers have everything they need to start each new school year and school day. Back when he was a student in District 15, Mr. Diaz Albarran recalls struggling with social and peer issues and feeling pressured to get involved with groups that were not serving his best interests. These days he has a group of “student helpers” who volunteer to assist him with daily maintenance tasks. Students in Lincoln’s Social Emotional Academic Learning (SEAL) program are eager to earn time to serve as one of his “helpers” as a reward for positive behavior. He uses that time to check in on them, connect, and give guidance on whatever they need help with. One of these helpers, seventh grader Daniel Aguierre explains how he benefits from his time with Mr. Diaz Albarran. “Sometimes I get really angry so Mr. Diaz has taught me how I can control my anger. Mr. Diaz shared his own life stories so that I could learn from them and not make the same mistakes,” Daniel says. “He teaches me to stop and think and walk away when I’m mad.”
Mario Diaz Albarran plays an intricate role in “It takes a village to raise a child.” He has set the bar high for other classified employees to strive to go above and beyond the school walls and help the inner child prepare for real world issues and concerns of the world by helping build student’s character and prepare them for society emotionally – all while pouring from his experience and being an example.
Today, we celebrate Mr. Diaz Albarran for his purposeful work of going above and beyond his call of duty and helping every person he has an encounter with daily within his district.
Individuals interested in nominating for the next cycle should contact their Governor’s office to inquire about state-specific process. Governors and state education agency program administrators may contact [email protected] with any questions and to indicate a state’s plans to participate for the coming cycle.
At an all-school assembly held on Monday, April 22, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders, RISE Program Director Frances Hopkins, and State Representative Nabeela Syed were joined virtually by U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, who presented the award during the surprise ceremony, and Governor J. B. Pritzker who shared his congratulations with Mario.
