Trustee Christopher W. Woods and Principal Carmen Walker (left), present a plaque of recognition to June Classified Employee of the Month Liana Wright.
Trustee John C. Scribner and Principal Carmen Walker (right) present a plaque of recognition to June Certificated Employee of the Month Oluchi Okemiri.
Sacramento County Board of Education Recognizes
June 2008 Employees of the Month
Posted May 22, 2008
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.
June 2008 Classified Employees of the Month
Liana Wright, a Para-Educator, was nominated by Principal Carmen Walker for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Wright works at SCOE's Leo A. Palmiter Jr.-Sr. High School, which is currently housed at the Creekside campus. She assists the teacher of an SDC-ED (special day class for students with emotional disabilities) class serving both eighth- and nine-graders. Among her responsibilities are assisting with the preparation and delivery of the instructional program, helping with classroom management, monitoring student behavior, and providing small group and one-to-one instruction. Ms. Wright's supervisor says, "Liana is an excellent Para-Educator and a collaborative team member, bringing valuable experience from her work in a group home environment." Ms. Wright has represented the Palmiter Para-Educators at the annual Para-Educator conference, returning to share what she has learned with others on the staff. "Liana is the epitome of a Para-Educator professional," says the teacher with whom she works. "She always displays a positive attitude and is willing to try something new. She complements the classroom environment with professionalism, enthusiasm, instructional leadership, and a genuine dedication and concern for every student." Ms. Wright has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since October 2005.
June 2008 Certificated Employee of the Month
Oluchi Okemiri, an ED Teacher, was nominated by Principal Carmen Walker for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Okemiri serves as a teacher of seventh-grade students with emotional disabilities, as a case manager, and as an instructional leader at Palmiter. She plans and implements instructional/behavioral lessons based on students' IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) goals and objectives. Ms. Okemiri, according to her supervisor, is "very compassionate, sensitive, and intuitive in addressing the academic and emotional needs of her students. She consistently maintains a professional, supportive working relationship with her students, her Para-Educator, and other colleagues. Ms. Okemiri has developed a rapport with her Para-Educator that complements the classroom environment." Her communication style has been effective in bringing parents into the process. One of her colleagues states, "She demonstrates confidence and poise when communicating with parents regarding student progress." Ms. Okemiri contributes regularly to staff meetings and staff development activities, often presenting an alternative idea and/or possible solution to a concern. She has represented the school's middle grades at several curriculum meetings and textbook committees. Her principal says, "Ms. Okemiri has blossomed as a leader in our middle grade program." Ms. Okemiri has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since June 2005.
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.
