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Sue Tiffany Excellence in Education Award

Purpose

The Sue Tiffany Excellence in Education Award honors a Redwood Area School District staff member who consistently demonstrates excellence, integrity, and a commitment to doing what is right for students. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in their roles and who positively impact the lives of students, colleagues, and the school community.

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Inspired by Sue Tiffany’s lifelong dedication to education, this award celebrates staff members who meet students where they are, lead with care and encouragement, and help young people believe in their own potential.

Award Details

  • Annual Recognition: One recipient selected each year

  • Award Components:

    • $750 personal cash award

    • $750 donation directed by the recipient to one of the following: Cardinals Care, an academic
      or educational school program, club, or classroom area of their choice

  • Funding: The award is sponsored through the Sue Tiffany Excellence in Education Fund within
    the Redwood Area Education Foundation. 

Who Can Be Nominated

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Any current Redwood Area School District staff member may be nominated, including (but not limited to): teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, custodians, and any other staff members who positively impact students.

Nomination & Award Process

Who Can Nominate: Peers, school personnel, parents, community members, and students

Nomination Timeline

  • Nominations Open: January 1

  • Nominations Close: February 28 (2026: March 15th)

  • March: Selection committee reviews nominations

The selection committee is composed of a diverse group representing the school and community. 

Nominees are evaluated based on the following:

  • Demonstrates integrity and consistently does what is right for students

  • Shows dedication, effort, and excellence in their role

  • Positively influences students, peers, and school culture

  • Reflects the spirit of Sue Tiffany’s personal approach to education, as shared in her own words:

“Sometimes there’s a barrier to get past. A smile goes a long way, as does enthusiasm for each student. I meet them where they ARE, not where they ‘should be.’ No put-downs. I like to give corrections in terms of how they’ll be more successful (and therefore happier) if they follow my advice. They need to know it’s not about me or their teacher or the school. It’s for their benefit and that’s why we care. I demonstrate priorities by being willing to come early, stay late, and do math at home by phone. I think most kids trust me, but some are also puzzled why I think they’re important. Many don’t know why they need this math. Actually, some do and a few don’t, but ALL need to know they can surpass their own expectations. Those who will never use all of Algebra II have another chance to learn Algebra I skills. All do need to graduate, which I say in various ways.”

Award Presentation

The Sue Tiffany Excellence in Education Award is presented annually at the Evening of the Stars event each May. The recipient is publicly recognized, receives a certificate and personal cash award, and directs the $750 program donation to a school area of their choosing.

Eligible Designation Areas

The $750 program donation must support an educational or academic school program or club. Eligible areas include (but not limited to):

  • Cardinals Care

  • Here Tomorrow Fund

  • Ag Education

  • ALP

  • Art

  • Art Club

  • Band

  • Career Development Center

  • Choir

  • DECA

  • Early Childhood

  • Elementary Education

  • FCA

  • FFA

  • HOSA

  • Knowledge Bowl

  • NHS

  • Robotics

  • Special Education

  • Speech

  • Student Council

  • Theater

  • Visual Arts

Submit a Nomination

Nominations may be submitted online using the form linked below:

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