RISE Teaching Award

A citywide distinction honoring outstanding teachers across Camden's district, charter, and renaissance schools.

Geographic Scope: Camden, NJ

Eligibility:

• Teachers in Camden public schools (district, charter, and renaissance schools)
• All grade levels (elementary, middle, high school)
• All specializations (general education, special education, bilingual/ESL)

Selection Process:

• School principals nominate teachers
• Nominees complete applications including reflections on teaching practices and recommendations from colleagues, students, or families
• Independent committee of veteran educators reviews applications
• Committee observes lessons and reviews lesson reflections to evaluate finalists

What Winners Receive:

• $5,000 prize
• Certificate of Achievement from the City of Camden
• Congratulatory video
• Surprise classroom visit from Mayor, Superintendent, and Camden Education Fund Executive Director

Background: This is the fourth year of the RISE Award (as of 2024). Previous and current winners represent diversity across elementary, middle, and high school levels, and across district, charter, and renaissance schools, including general education, special education, and bilingual/ESL teachers.

Application Process

1. Nomination Phase: School principals nominate teachers from their schools
2. Application Submission: Nominated teachers complete applications including:
- Reflections on their teaching practices
- Recommendations from colleagues, students, or families
3. Committee Review: Independent committee of veteran educators reviews all applications
4. Finalist Evaluation: Committee observes lessons and reviews teachers' lesson reflections
5. Winners Selected: Committee selects three winners from finalists

Nomination Period: Begins in November (based on 2024 timeline)

Contact: Mike Neilon, (610) 613-2664, mneilon@bellevuepr.com