Sacramento County Board of Education Recognizes
November 2006 Employees of the Month
Posted October 27, 2006
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 700 full-time and more than 2,500 part-time SCOE staff work year-round providing services which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in the County of Sacramento. Over 230,000 K-12 students are served by public schools in Sacramento County.
November 2006 Classified Employee of the Month
Nancy Adams, a Para-Educator, was nominated by Assistant Superintendent Tim Taylor for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Adams works with students and staff of El Centro Jr.-Sr. High School, which is operated by SCOE within the Sacramento County Probation Department's B.T. Collins Juvenile Center (also known as Juvenile Hall). She currently works as the school's interim registrar, which requires her to oversee student records, student grade input and transcripts, as well as acting as liaison between the school and Probation regarding student placement. Her regular responsibilities as Para-Educator include assisting the teacher and students, many of whom are academically delayed. She has assisted the teacher in establishing an exemplary program for El Centro's students, whose short stays in Juvenile Hall and high rate of recidivism create many challenges for the instructional team. Her supervisor says, "Nancy excels in her work with at-risk students at El Centro. She has dedicated herself to helping students learn. She also is a team player, having left the classroom temporarily to help in the school's office." Ms. Adams has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since February 1980.
November 2006 Certificated Employee of the Month
Norman "Ted" Smith, a teacher, was nominated by Principal Carmen Walker for his contributions to the Special Education Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Smith teaches a Special Day Class for ED students (those with emotional disturbance) at Leo A. Palmiter Jr.-Sr. High School. He provides individualized instruction based on each student's academic, behavioral and transition needs. Mr. Smith coordinates IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) for students and maintains regular communication with parents, as well as school district and support personnel, to provide continual updates of student needs and progress. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Smith has played a leadership role as Palmiter's Teacher-In-Charge. His supervisor says, "Mr. Smith is an extremely dedicated and responsible teacher who is enthusiastic and passionate about his work with our ED students. He has a great understanding of where our students are coming from and what is needed to reinforce their learning. This genuine concern for students and the time that he devotes to them have made Mr. Smith an invaluable member of our staff." Mr. Smith has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since October 2000.
Contact Information
The Sacramento County Office of Education celebrates the accomplishments and exemplary service of its employees through the Employees of the Month Program. Parents, colleagues, and community members wishing to recommend a non-management staff member for consideration as a Sacramento County Office of Education Employee of the Month may receive a nomination form through the Communications Office by calling (916) 228-2416 or e-mailing Cathy Sapunor.
