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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Is this a new program or is it replacing something?
This is a new program and will not replace any appreciations, service anniversaries or retirements. Appreciation activities will continue to occur as scheduled; recognition of individual employees will now be through the Torch Awards.
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Who is eligible?
Eligible employees include all PPS employees (full and part time) who have been employed since the first day of the school year, and are in good standing. Temps and interns are not eligible, nor are members of the selection committee.
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Who can I nominate?
You can nominate any eligible PPS employee. Eligible employees include any regular (not temporary or limited term) employee who has been employed since the first day of the school year.
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Can someone outside the organization nominate a staff member?
No, only PPS employees can submit nominations.
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When will the nominations open?
Nominations for the 2024-2025 school year will be open from March 3 through March 22.
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Who will select Torch Award recipients?
A selection committee of PPS employees.
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How many staff will be selected as Torch Award recipients?
Up to 25 PPS staff.
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When will the staff chosen be honored?
Recipients will be honored on May 22, 2025.
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If I nominated someone several years ago and they are still an employee what should I do?
You will need to submit a new nomination form for that individual.
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Can I access the Torch Award form with my personal email?
No, you must be signed into your PPS account to access the nomination form.
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.
