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Rodney Robinson Equity Award

This award celebrates an RPS educator or staff member who demonstrates unwavering commitment to educational equity and has meaningfully advanced access, inclusion, and opportunity for historically underserved students.

Purpose

The Rodney Robinson Equity Award recognizes an RPS educator or staff member who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to advancing equity in education. The award honors the individual who has made a significant contribution to students, particularly those from historically underserved and marginalized communities. Any member of the community can nominate an RPS teacher or staff member for this award. Three finalists, including the winner, are selected by an internal committee and announced at RPS Shines.

Submit a Nomination

Eligibility

  • Any RPS staff.
  • Demonstrates a clear and sustained commitment to educational equity.
  • Educational equity = every child receives what they need to develop to their full academic and social potential.

Selection Criteria

  1. Commitment to Educational Equity
  • Consistently advocates for policies, practices, and opportunities that promote access and success for all students.
  • Actively works to close achievement and opportunity gaps in their classroom, school, or department.
  • Demonstrates cultural competence (defined as the ability to understand and interact effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds by respecting their beliefs, values, and practices) and fosters an inclusive and affirming environment.
  1. Impact on Students and the Community
  • Creates experiences that empower students to see themselves as leaders and changemakers.
  • Partners with families and community organizations to support student success and well-being.
  • Demonstrates a measurable impact on students from underserved or marginalized groups.
  1. Leadership and Advocacy
  • Leads or participates in initiatives that advance equity and inclusion at the school, district, or community level.
  • Speaks out against inequities and works to address systemic barriers within education.
  • Advocates for change and works to address systemic barriers that affect student learning and participation. 
4. Exemplary Member of the RPS Community
  • Demonstrates a high level of integrity and professionalism
  • Pursues relationship-building with staff and RPS community
  • Adopts high performance standards
  • Serves as a role model for students and staff
  • Embodies the core values of RPS-Equity, Engagement, Excellence

Nomination Process

  • Nominations (up to 100 words) may be submitted by peers, supervisors, students, families, or community members.
  • All nominees are notified and invited to submit an application.

Application Includes

  • Personal Statement-written (up to 500 words) or video/multimedia presentation (4-5 min)- reflecting on their 1) personal and professional commitment to educational equity, 2) impact on students and the community, 3) leadership and advocacy activities, and 4) efforts to be a role model. The statement should provide insight into the nominee’s values, practices, and contributions.
  • A Letter of Recommendation from your supervisor (up to 300 words) which addresses how you meet the criteria listed, (commitment to educational equity, impact on students and community, leadership & advocacy and being a role model), including specific examples.

Terms & Conditions

  • The recipient will be honored at the annual RPS Shines Awards Ceremony and recognized district-wide.
  • No campaigning (campaigning = to organize a series of activities to try to achieve something). 
  • No self nominating.
  • Chiefs and Directors are not eligible.
  • Shines is a once in a lifetime award.