The Awards

Please Note: The IPS Teacher of the Year and IPS Principal of the Year nomination and selection process are conducted internally. Winners will be highlighted during the 2024 Hall of Fame Ceremony later this year.

Inspiring Alumni

The Inspiring Alumni Award honors an IPS graduate of a current or former IPS high school for outstanding accomplishments. The level of achievement must clearly distinguish the individual among his/her peers.

The Nominee:

  • Is an IPS graduate at least one year prior to nomination.

  • Distinguishes themselves through their work, personal accomplishments, or in the lives of others.

  • Demonstrates a commitment to either the district or their alma mater.

  • Is in good standing in the community.

  • Exemplifies qualities demonstrating the goals of public education, leadership and ethical standards.

Outstanding Staff Member

The Outstanding Staff Member Award honors an IPS non-licensed classified employee (bus driver, custodian, aide, clerk, administrative associate, or other facilities, food service, finance, security professional, etc.) for outstanding commitment to his/her school and/or the district.

 

The Nominee:

  • Works with integrity and holds themselves or their team accountable for exemplary outcomes, service and interactions.

  • Is highly responsive, committed to high-quality work that adds value to the district, and continuously strives to enhance the services they provide.

  • Works collaboratively, builds partnerships and strengthens relationships. 

  • Is committed to authentic stakeholder engagement to realize the district's mission and vision.

  • Prioritizes the interests and needs of students and staff in the decision-making process. 

Engaging School

The Engaging School Award recognizes and applauds an IPS school that has actively deepened community partnerships and family engagement.

 

The Nominee (An IPS School):

  • Involves families and the broader school community in the creation and execution of schoolwide goals and initiatives.

  • Builds meaningful relationships with local and national community partners that drive success for students, staff and families.

  • Fosters authentic engagement with families that results in increased academic achievement, high attendance, high parent/guardian and student participation, and a joyful and welcoming school culture.

  • Ensures opportunities for open two-way communication for all families.

Community Partner
in Action

The Community Partner in Action Award recognizes and applauds a community organization that consistently works with the district and/or an IPS school (or schools) to actively promote and contribute to student and family success.

The Nominee (a community organization):

  • Supports efforts between schools and the community that promote academic success and personal growth for students and their families.

  • Spearheads innovative educational opportunities to meet the unique needs of students and schools.

  • Helps students relate academic learning to real-world applications.

  • Demonstrates community values in education.

  • Alongside IPS school/district leadership, helps to prepare students with the foundation needed to be successful today and into adulthood through school and community-based opportunities.

Volunteer in Action

The Volunteer in Action Award recognizes an individual who makes meaningful contributions in our schools, for our students, staff, families or for the district-at-large. This award honors an individual whose service positively and deeply impacts the school communities in which they live or work.

 

The Nominee (an individual):

  • Is an approved IPS volunteer for at least one school year prior to nomination.

  • Distinguishes themselves through their volunteer efforts during special events/programs and/or daily school operations.

  • Exhibits care and compassion for the students, families and staff for which they serve.

  • Demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to either a particular IPS school or the district-at-large.

  • Depicts the characteristics of genuine public service (including but not limited to being helpful, resourceful, understanding and engaging others of all backgrounds).