NMS’ Anderson is nation’s best

“I love what I do because it’s literally the most rewarding thing I could ever think of. My students make just as big of a difference in my life as I hope I do in theirs,” said Keeley Anderson, Newcastle Middle School paraprofessional and intervention specialist. “I want them to know that with me they’re safe and that they are important and cared about above anything else.” 
That love for her students and what she is able to do every day is just one of the many reasons Anderson was named 2022 the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) awardee in a ceremony on Feb. 23, featuring a presentation from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, via Zoom, Gov. Mark Gordon and Brian Schroeder, the state’s newly appointed superintendent of public instruction. 
“Keeley is a true inspiration, and I congratulate her for her commitment to the students in Newcastle, Wyoming,” Schroeder said. “That she is able to connect with students in such a distinct and supportive way just goes to show why she has been nominated – and awarded – this honor. She allows her students to succeed, and that in itself is a true testament to her character.” 
Notified during a surprise presentation and surrounded by coworkers, students and family, Anderson wiped tears from her face as Cardona announced her as the winner. 
“Education support professionals deserve appreciation today and every day. Especially amid the pandemic, their contributions to school communities have been extraordinary and have helped schools remain open for in-person learning,” Cardona said. “It’s an honor for me to present Keeley with this well-deserved award.” 
“It is an honor to be able to recognize someone who is dedicated to her school community,” Gordon said during the presentation. “Keeley’s tireless commitment to encourage students and her willingness to take on additional duties reflects the excellence of Wyoming’s school employees, whose actions have lasting positive impacts on students’ lives.” 
Anderson began her career as a substitute teacher with Weston County School District No. 1 in 2016. She worked as a special education paraprofessional the following year until she took her current position as intervention specialist in 2019. As an intervention specialist, according to a press release announcing her award, she works to prioritize students in the school who need additional support to be successful. 
Anderson also leads Newcastle Middle School’s in-school-suspension program, works in the district’s summer maintenance department and served as head volleyball coach at Newcastle High School. 
During the pandemic, Anderson took on even more duties as she became the key communicator and liaison for students placed on quarantine. She helped them to manage their work remotely and transition back into the classroom. 
A 2009 graduate of Newcastle High School, Anderson grew up in the community and Superintendent Brad LaCroix said that her grandma, Ann Sedgwick, had once told him that she was going to work for him one day. He is happy that he was able to experience something like that with Anderson. 
“The biggest thing to say about her, at least from my side, is she has always been blessed with incredible talent and that day (award day) we actually got to celebrate that particular individual being recognized for everything she does for young people and it was on a national stage. I believe that is a first, at least for me, and I know it was a first for her,” LaCroix said. “She is an amazing young woman who has done great things for our young people, and  we hope she continues to be a part of our district.” 
And LaCroix is not the only one that toutes Anderson and her ability to work with young people. 
“Keeley has a unique ability to connect with students and get them to see that she is on their side,” said Tyler Bartlett, Newcastle Middle School principal and nominator. “She helps instill qualities like integrity and character, while empowering students to advocate for themselves and learn how to solve their own problems. Ironically, it is when her students no longer need her that we know she has succeeded.” 
Anderson, who was still shocked 12 hours after the presentation, said she couldn’t do everything she does without the support of the school, staff and students. 
“I feel incredibly thankful to be a part of Newcastle Middle School and to have a boss like Tyler,” she said. “He always makes sure that we all know how appreciated we are, no matter what our role is at NMS. It’s the staff and students who help bring out the best in me, and it’s them who make me look forward to walking through the doors each day.” 
The Recognizing Inspiring School Employees, or RISE award, was created by Congress with the Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act in April 2019. The act states that “prior to May 31 each year … the Secretary (of education) shall select a classified school employee to receive the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award for the year,” according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Education.
During the  annual award’s second year, Anderson was selected from 25 nominations across 15 states. Nominees included employees in various departments, including paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services and skilled trade professionals. 
“Governors’ offices determined their state-specific process for selecting up to two nominees, and they will again be asked to submit nominees by Nov. 1, documenting excellence in the following areas: a) Work performance; b) School and community involvement; c) Leadership and commitment; d) Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work); and e) Enhancement of classified school employees' image in the community and schools,” the release states. 
More information on the award, including how to submit nominations for the 2022-23 cycle, is available on the U.S. Department of Education website.