The Torch Awards
The Torch Awards
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Leading the way to excellence!
The Torch Awards honor excellence and recognize employees who, in their contributions and service to the District, exemplify our Educator Essentials.
These employees make us proud.
They go above and beyond.
They elevate their profession.
They deliver results that matter.And they do it in a way that aligns with our PPS values.
At PPS, everyone is an educator. We are a community of adults who model, teach, and create the conditions students need to develop into the capable and empathetic leaders of tomorrow. Subsequently, the award is open to all eligible PPS employees in any department at any level within the organization. Nominations may come from others (peers, leaders, subordinates) or a self-nomination.
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Please nominate a PPS employee that delivered excellent results that exemplify an Educator Essential. And because it’s not just what we do, but how we do it, the results must be achieved while living the PPS values.
Need a refresher on the Educator Essentials and PPS Core Values? Learn more.
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To be eligible, nominees must be a full or part time PPS staff member that is currently active, in good standing, and has been employed since the first day of the school year. Temps, interns, and employees currently serving on the Selection Committee are not eligible.
Nominations must be completed by a PPS employee meeting the eligibility criteria (i.e., parents, students, community members may not nominate at this time). Self-nominations are eligible for consideration.
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Those employees who are selected as Torch Award recipients will be recognized at an evening reception on the date indicated above. Attendees will include award recipients, recipient’s guests, PPS leadership, PPS Board of Education, and the Superintendent. Recipients will also be highlighted in communications and videos to PPS staff and possibly showcased with local media.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can submit a Torch Award nomination?
Any PPS employee can nominate a PPS employee for a Torch Award.
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Can I nominate any PPS employee?
Yes. All PPS employees are eligible to be nominated for a Torch Award. Additionally, you can nominate yourself. At this time, you cannot nominate a team.
Note that temporary employees, interns, and Selection Committee members are ineligible. Additionally, nominees must be employed by PPS since the start of the school year and they must not be on any corrective action plans.
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Are “Torch nominations” and “Torch Awards” different?
Yes. Torch nominations are submitted by PPS employees in recognition of any PPS employee. The names approved nominees are posted on the website. Nominated employees are notified, though nominator names are not shared.
Torch Award winners are selected from the pool of Torch Award nominations by a Selection Committee. Winners are honored at a formal reception in Spring.
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How many people can win a Torch Award?
Up to 15 (fifteen) individuals may be selected each school year to receive an award.
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What happens if multiple submissions are received for one nominee?
An employee who receives multiple nominations will have his or her nominations combined into one entry.
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When can I submit a nomination?
Please visit The Torch Awards page for nomination dates.
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Who is on the Selection Committee?
The Torch Award Selection Committee is comprised of a diverse, multidisciplinary team responsible for reviewing nominations, assessing against criteria, and selecting winners. Members serve for terms of 1-2 years and are required to attend bias training. During their term, members are not eligible to win a Torch Award. This year’s committee includes:
Chris Frazier Principal Das Gupta Office of Technology & Information Services Aurora Hymel College & Career Readiness Joe LaFountaine Area Regional Superintendent Michelle Lageson Portland Federation of School Professionals (PFSP) Gail Warren Business Operations Courtney Westling Government Relations Margarett Peoples Portland Association of Teachers (PAT) -
I can’t submit my Torch Award nomination.
If you are having technical issues, please contact the Recognitions team at recognition@pps.net
Questions?
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Please see the
Frequently Asked QuestionIf you have any question that are not answered in the FAQs, please email
recognition@pps.net
Educator Essentials & Core Values
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Need a refresher on the Educator Essentials and PPS Core Values?
Please visit the
Educator Essentials and PPS Core Values page.
