20 U.S.C. § 6683 — Recognition program established

(a) In general. The Secretary of Education must establish the national “Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award Program,” or “award program,” to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence of classified school employees serving prekindergarten through high school students. (b) Award. (1) Before May 31 each year, beginning with the second calendar year after April 12, 2019, the Secretary must select one classified school employee^* for that year’s award. (2) The award and recognition have no monetary value. (c) Selection process. (1)(A) By November 1 each year, beginning with the first calendar year after April 12, 2019, the Secretary must request from every State^* Governor nominations of employees in the specialties listed in section 6682(1). (B) For State residents to qualify, the Governor must consider nominations from local educational agencies, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofits, parents and students, and any other group the Secretary approves. (2) A Governor who wants State residents considered must submit nominations as the Secretary requires. Each nomination must at least show excellence in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, local support, and improving classified employees’ image in the community and schools. (3) The Secretary must create uniform national rules for evaluating those nominations and selecting the most deserving nominees based on those showings.