Salutes Awards

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Key to the Classroom Award

For Classroom Teachers

Nomination Deadline: Jan. 6, 2027

The Key to the Classroom Award recognizes SSD classroom teachers who demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication and help students succeed in learning. These teachers are resourceful in finding ways to reach students of all abilities and backgrounds and are often key to their students’ learning. They may also serve as ambassadors for their school or district in the community. The award reflects the qualities recognized through the Missouri Teacher of the Year program. 

Make a Key to the Classroom Nomination

Distinguished Leadership Award

For SSD & Partner District Administrators

Nomination Deadline: Jan. 13, 2027

The SSD Distinguished Leadership Award was established in 2022-23. It recognizes administrators whose work has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to SSD students, staff, families, and the community, as outlined in the District's mission.

The award will be presented to three administrators. One award winner will come from each of the following areas:

• SSD Administrators Working in Partner Districts: This administrator will work for SSD in a partner district. The category includes directors, assistant directors, SPED coordinators, and instructional coaches.
• Non-SSD Administrators Working for Partner Districts: This administrator will be employed by one of the partner districts and will champion SSD students and staff. The category includes principals, assistant principals, liaisons (assistant superintendents), and curriculum directors/coordinators.
• SSD Administrators Working in SSD: This administrator will be employed by SSD and work on one of the SSD campuses or satellite locations. This category includes chiefs, assistant chiefs, directors, assistant directors, administrators, managers, and coordinators.

Make a Distinguished Leadership Nomination

Special Ambassador Award

For Community Members 

Nomination Deadline: Jan. 20, 2027

The Special Ambassador Award is presented to community members and business and industry partners who have demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to SSD and its mission. Recipients of this award often provide a resource or service that complements the established curriculum in SSD programs.

This award recognizes individuals, as well as groups and organizations. Recipients may include educators in other school districts (see note above about SSD staff members), employees of local agencies that support SSD students, or volunteers in SSD schools or classrooms.

Make a Special Ambassador Award Nomination

Building Block Award

For Paraprofessionals

Nomination Deadline: Feb. 10, 2027

The Building Block Award recognizes SSD paraprofessionals who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication, and commitment to students. Eligible nominees include teacher assistants, teacher aides, certified occupational therapy assistants, registered behavior technicians, and physical therapy assistants. Like the essential building blocks of a strong foundation, these professionals help students learn, grow, and succeed every day.

Make a Building Block Award Nomination

Lasting Impression Award

Nomination Deadline: Feb. 17, 2027

The Lasting Impression Award recognizes SSD staff members whose work makes a lasting difference for students by supporting schools, programs, and district operations. Whether they serve students directly or provide the services, expertise, and support that help schools succeed, these employees strengthen SSD's mission every day through their dedication and contributions. We will select five school-based and five operations professionals each year. To see the full list of eligible roles, open the nomination form.

Make a Lasting Impression Award Nomination