September 2010 Classified Employee of the Month

Teri Derrington, a Para-Educator/SH, was nominated by Principal Sharon Holstege for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Derrington supports preschoolers in SCOE's program for students with severe handicaps (SH) at Markofer Elementary School Head Start and the Cosumnes River College Child Development Center. In her role as Para-Educator, she helps preschoolers learn kindergarten readiness skills. Ms. Derrington fosters in her students the use of problem-solving and communications skills to resolve conflicts, and she is known for her ability to discern when a child needs assistance and when the child requires encouragement and time. Her supervisor says, "Terri is a great role model for substitute employees and less experienced para-educators. Their skills are often enhanced by working with her." Ms. Derrington builds relationships among children with and without disabilities in the classroom. Concludes her supervisor, "Teri is able to provide just what a child needs in order to be successful." Ms. Derrington received the Sharon Neese Professional Development Award at the Northern California Early Childhood Education Conference in 2006. Ms. Derrington has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since December 1996.

September 2010 Certificated Employee of the Month

Michele Deems, a Vision Specialist, was nominated by Principal Sharon Holstege for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Deems, who is based at SCOE's Dry Creek Elementary School site, works with students from numerous north area school districts-Twin Rivers Unified, Natomas Unified, Elverta Joint, Center Joint Unified, and Robla School Districts. Ms. Deems provides numerous services to students having visual impairments. She obtains books and instructional materials in large print or Braille as needed; secures and teaches the use of specialized equipment ranging from simple magnifiers to high-technology devices; provides multi-sensory materials to students having multiple disabilities; and teaches students to read and write in Braille. She consults with district and SCOE teachers to help ensure that her students' needs are being addressed. Reports her supervisor, "There are many things Michele does that are not in her job description. She goes above and beyond by supporting students outside of the school situation; for example, she has attended Social Security Administration and Department of Rehabilitation meetings with students' families to help facilitate the transition of students to post-school environments." Ms. Deems is regarded for her ability to establish both a professional and trusting relationship with students and their families. Her supervisor concludes, "Michele respectfully supports students in a manner which allows them to be successful. She has made a difference in her students' lives." Ms. Deems has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since August 2003.

August 2010 Classified Employee of the Month

Petra White, School Secretary, has been nominated by Interim Principal Lisa Alcalá for her contributions to the Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Petra White works at SCOE's Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School campus. Her responsibilities include providing clerical support for the principal, staff and teachers, and helping ensure that the school functions smoothly. She is the first person students, parents and visitors from outside agencies see when they come to the school site. In addition to answering phones and directing student traffic, she is consistently busy assessing every situation and responding accordingly. Her supervisor commends Ms. White's ability to work with students. "Her very nature soothes the students when they are sent to the office for a 'cool-down' or a talk with the principal or counselor. She questions students who come late and reminds them of the importance of being to school on time so they can learn." A recent project coordinated by Ms. White affirms the important role she plays at Hickey School. She organized all elements of the off-site 2010 Student Programs graduation event, from creating the announcements to ordering caps and gowns. Says her supervisor, "Everything that Petra does is done with attention to detail. We are very blessed to have her at our school site. Donna Hankins, our school counselor, described Petra perfectly: 'She is the Phenomenal Woman that Maya Angelou wrote about.'" Ms. White has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since May 1998.

July 2010 Classified Employee of the Month

Mike Fox, Multimedia Design Specialist, was nominated by Internet & Media Services Director Andrea Willis for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Fox's primary responsibility is to design and create high-end Web applications, Flash animations and user interfaces for use on custom Web sites that are developed by SCOE's Internet & Media Services Department. In this capacity, he uses his creative talents to plan, design and implement a variety of animation, video, and audio-based projects. In conjunction with his work, Mr. Fox uses his talents as a professional voice artist, musician and recording engineer. Among his current projects is the creation of a highly sophisticated, online animated game that enlightens teens to strategies for making positive social change, produced for the Capital Unity Council. Another current project involves the development of an animated "virtual advisor" which provides information about obtaining a California teaching credential to prospective teachers visiting the TEACH California Web site. His work can be viewed in numerous other Web sites, such as www.usalearns.org (U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education/Division of Adult Education and Literacy) and www.region3support.org (Capital Service Region of the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association). Edith Crawford of the Capital Unity Council commended Mike Fox for his work, saying, "Mr. Fox is creative, talented, inspiring and reflective. With the help of colleagues and client input, he used his diverse talents to create a dynamic and innovative Web-based educational game for our organization. Mike listened to what we said and used grace and humor throughout the creative process. We are very pleased with the resources that he brought to the project, including the animation and audio work that he did to make our game concept come to life." Mr. Fox's supervisor says, "Mike is an excellent employee because he is highly talented and motivated, a perfectionist, a true team player and has an incredible work ethic. Whenever we approach a new project that seems nearly impossible, Mike always finds a way to make it happen. When we face looming deadlines that are seemingly insurmountable, Mike burns the midnight oil to meet them. Whenever we need a creative or technical solution to accomplish a challenging project goal, Mike comes up with one. He is a true pleasure to have on our team." Mr. Fox has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since June 2007.

June 2010 Classified Employee of the Month

Daphanee Manker was nominated by Special Education Principal Sharon Holstage for her contributions to the Special Education Department, where she serves as a Staff Secretary. In her role as staff secretary, she provides support to SCOE's preschool programs and to the Special Education program as a whole. Ms. Manker has been instrumental in the behind-the-scenes work for many of the Special Education Department's accomplishments over the past several years. She helped organize the first regional MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) training ever held in northern California. She has been a key player in organizing specialized equipment that is not currently in use so that staff, as well as SCOE's SELPA partners, can reduce costs by re-using and recycling equipment. Ms. Manker has excelled in learning the nuances of using the Special Education Information System (SEIS) and provides calm support to teachers through all of the IEP meetings, state mandated tests for students, required paperwork, and much more. Says her supervisor: "Daphanee is the one of the most effective and efficient people I have ever known. In her own quiet way, she is able to complete an amazing amount of work." Daphanee Manker has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since November 2005.

June 2010 Certificated Employee of the Month

Paula Emmons, a SH Teacher for students with severe disabilities, was nominated by Special Education Principal Sharon Holstage for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Emmons is an early childhood special education teacher who supports 12 students with significant needs who are located either at Prairie Head Start within the Elk Grove Unified School District or at the Child Development Center at Cosumnes River College. Ms. Emmons has worked as a teacher for the past three-years and already displays the wisdom and expertise of a seasoned teacher by providing a rich and inclusive environment for her students. She presents her students with many opportunities to work on functional motor skills, communication skills, literacy, daily living skills and more and all within a 12 hour preschool week. Ms. Emmons operates one of SCOE's "up and coming" MOVE demonstration programs for preschool inclusion. Says her supervisor, "Paula is a wonderful resource for families, supporting them throughout their first school experience. She collaborates effectively with Head Start staff, her para-educators and support staff in order to provide a high quality preschool experience for her students." Paula Emmons has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since August 2007.

Substitute of the Quarter (Spring)

Matt Richter was nominated by Chief Administrator of Human Resources Effie Crush for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education as an outstanding substitute employee.  

For the 2009-10 school year, Mr. Richter has worked approximately 115 days. He has worked exclusively in SCOE's Special Education Program for students with severe disabilities. Within that program, he has worked in the full-spectrum of classrooms from those for preschool age children through those who are college age. His responsibilities have included health assistance, student safety, charting, working one-on-one or with small groups of students, maintaining the daily schedule, and general support of other staff members.

When Mr. Richter began working for SCOE in 2007, he worked as a substitute para-educator and for the Summer School programs for the last two years. In September of this year, after receiving his Bachelor's degree from UC Davis and passing the CBEST test, he also began working as a substitute teacher. He is one of the most requested substitutes within the Special Education department. Says one supervisor, "Matt is a great sub in my class because he's such a self-starter. He definitely has a great rapport with the students, and seems to genuinely enjoy getting to know them. The students seem to like him as well, and are responsive to his direction."

Matt Richter has been a substitute employee for the Sacramento County Office of Education employee since July 2007.

May 2010 Classified Employees of the Month

Kristin Green, School Secretary, and Eilene Williams, Registrar, were nominated as a team by Principal Mike Borgaard, Ed.D., for their contributions to the Juvenile Court Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Green and Ms. Williams are key to the success of the daily operations of El Centro Jr./Sr. High School, which is located within Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility (also known as Juvenile Hall). They support the El Centro instructional program by helping facilitate communication between Sacramento County Probation staff and school staff, and ensuring meticulous record keeping.  The latter is a challenge due to the transient school nature of Juvenile Court School student placements. With a school program that is open 244 days a year, and that enrolls and dis-enrolls over 2,500 students each year, school staff rely upon Ms. Green and Ms. Williams for their respective abilities to coordinate multiple tasks while maintaining a positive attitude. Their many contributions enable school staff to better serve the high-risk student population at El Centro Jr./Sr. High School. Ms. Green has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since January 2008. Ms. Williams has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since May 2007.

May 2010 Certificated Employee of the Month

Amy Wood, Juvenile Court Schools Resource Teacher, was nominated by Principal Lyn Efken for her contributions to the Special Education Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Wood works with students identified as having special education needs at El Centro Jr./Sr. High School. Working with El Centro teachers and staff, she helps ensure that students are learning in environments appropriate to their exceptional needs. She develops and implements a variety of instructional activities to meet the students' individual goals based on the students' IEP (Individual Education Plan). She maintains records to help track student progress and serves as a resource in the area of positive behavior management. Ms. Wood has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since February 2001.

April 2010 Classified Employee of the Month

Valorie Williams, Para-Educator, was nominated by Acting Principal Lisa Alcalá for her contributions to the Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Valorie works with 7th through 10th graders in math, English, science, and history classes at Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School, assisting classroom teachers Jack Branson and Michelle DeMenno. She works with individuals and small groups of students to raise their academic levels in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, with the goal of getting them on track for a successful return to their home school district. The students with whom she works range in age from 11-16 years old and are placed at the school site for up to two semesters. Her supervisor says, "What is most inspiring about Valorie is how in tune and 'on' she is during the course of the day. From the moment Valorie walks on campus, until the time the students leave, she is all about keeping the students focused." Ms. Williams is known for holding students to a high standard and making sure they are not falling short of what they are capable of accomplishing. Concludes her supervisor, "Valorie is inspirational to all the staff not only as a co-worker, but also as a woman and a friend. We are so fortunate to have Valorie as a Para-Educator on our campus. Our students are better for spending their day with her." Ms. Williams has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since December 2006.

April 2010 Certificated Employee of the Month

Pedro Marquez III, Teacher, was nominated by Principal Carol Johnston for his contributions to the Juvenile Court Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Marquez is currently the teacher in charge at the Morgan Jr./Sr. High School at SCOE's River Oaks  facility.  He teaches 8th-12th grade students in mathematics, physical education and credit recovery courses.  Mr. Marquez works collaboratively with the various partners including the Sacramento Probation Department and Quality Group Homes in a unique setting and program delivery model.  Mr. Marquez is the "backbone" of the program at Morgan as it has transitioned from its former location near juvenile hall to its current location at the River Oaks facility.  He has developed an instructional and team leadership style with students, staff and partners that promotes strong discipline in the classroom and success upon transitioning from the program.  He builds strong relationships with his students to help them feel secure in their academic achievement and success outside of the classroom.  Many students in the program are foster youth who will transition from the program to either another placement or complete their high school diploma and program at Morgan. "The students trust and respect Mr. Marquez" says his supervisor, "and he has a very special way of working with his student population. He is a leader by example." Mr. Marquez has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since January 2007.

March 2010 Classified Employee of the Month

Carol Karnes, School Secretary, was nominated by Principal Lauren Roth for her contributions to the Special Education/ED Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Karnes supports the daily operations of SCOE's Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School campus. Among her many responsibilities are managing the newly implemented SEIS (Special Education Student Information System) and the school's PowerSchool Web-based student data system. She works not only with teachers and support staff, but with student assistants and community agencies as well. Her work extends beyond her day-to-day office duties to include serving on the Student Body Advisory, Snack Shack and School Safety Committees. Her supervisor says, "Ms. Karnes is often the first person to greet people coming through the door. She always offers a warm, friendly smile to students, staff, and substitutes, making everyone feel welcome and appreciated." Ms. Karnes is known for her strong organizational skills, her conscientious manner and her dedication to the educational program, staff and students. Concludes her supervisor, "Ms. Karnes models respect, responsibility, and professionalism to the student, exemplifying the key concepts of Positive Behavior Supports (PBS), which is a hallmark program of the Palmiter campus. We greatly value her sensitivity, her caring, gentle nature, and her willingness to assist in any situation." Ms. Karnes has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since October 2007.

March 2010 Certificated Employee of the Month

Barbara Modlin, Community Schools Teacher, was nominated by Principal Andrea Lemos for her contributions to the Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. She works with students in grades 7-12 at SCOE's Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School. While her emphasis in the classroom is on English, Ms. Modlin also teaches additional subjects to meet individual students' needs. She additionally works directly with Independent Study students. Ms. Modlin was SCOE's first LINKS teacher and has been instrumental in helping SCOE expand the LINKS philosophy throughout its Juvenile Court and Community Schools. Her supervisor says, "Ms. Modlin meets not only the students' academic needs but, more important, is there for her students' emotional needs. She celebrates their achievements … and supports them through the occasional downfall such as a student's incarceration in Juvenile Hall and/or Juvenile Court hearings." In addition to her classroom work, Ms. Modlin serves as advisor of the Student Leadership Team, the school's Poetry Out Loud competition and of student mentoring. She also plans field trips for the students, including the California State University, Sacramento, Ropes Course to build teamwork and emphasize the importance of making positive choices. In the words of one of her students, "Ms. Modlin is awesome. What makes her awesome is that she is really caring and really understanding." Ms. Modlin has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since January 2006.

February 2010 Classified Employee of the Month

Janice Tietjen, Administrative Assistant, was nominated by Assistant Superintendent Sue Stickel for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Tietjen performs general office duties and coordinates activities in support of SCOE's K-12 Curriculum and Intervention Department. In addition to serving as the "first line" of phone assistance to customers, she coordinates meetings and provides secretarial support for the department. Her supervisor says, "One of Janice's most valuable skills is her skill in producing and reviewing documents. She is a consummate proofreader. No document leaves our office without the review of her careful eye." Ms. Tietjen is known as an outstanding team player, always willing to take on any task and work to the common good of the team or a project. Concludes her supervisor, "Janice works with folks in a very even and calm manner and makes finding the answers to questions her number one priority. She truly 'walks the talk' of providing customer service both internally and externally for SCOE." Ms. Tietjen has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since February 1990.

February 2010 Certificated Employee of the Month

Marla Nakano, Community Schools Teacher, was nominated by a colleague for her contributions to the Juvenile Court and Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Nakano serves as both classroom teacher and Teacher in Charge at SCOE's North Area Community School, a campus providing an alternative educational environment for students with a range of academic, social and behavioral needs. Ms. Nakano successfully balances the diverse needs of her students and demonstrates strength in the area of curriculum. She actively engages her students in the NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) testing and Compass Leaning Odyssey curriculum assignments designed to support student success in the areas of English/Language Arts and math, in addition to providing effective instruction daily in her classroom. Her supervisor says, "Ms. Nakano makes connections with students each day. The students respect her and respond well to her." When students have demonstrated that they can be successful, Ms. Nakano provides leadership opportunities for them. Her students have actively participated in SCOE's Academic Bowl, field trips, assemblies, job placement, CTE/ROP classes and other LINKS activities at the school site. Staff members have commented on Ms. Nakano's commitment and dedication to students and to meeting their needs. One colleague said, "She has a structured classroom that supports the students and she is a strong teacher. She directly teaches the students in areas where they need the direct and explicit instruction." Parents also comment on the positive support their students have received from Ms. Nakano at North Area Community School. Parents are proud that their students are on the path to graduating, many finding academic success for the first time as a part of Ms. Nakano's class. Ms. Nakano has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since August 1996.

January 2010 Certificated Employee of the Month

Ben Diaz, Special Education/ED Teacher, was nominated by Principal Lauren Roth for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Diaz teaches students in a special education class for students with emotional disturbance at Bannon Creek Elementary in the Natomas Unified School District. Mr. Diaz teaches a 1st-3rd grade combination class. His supervisor comments, "Mr. Diaz's lessons are well thought out, interest-based, creative, fun, and educationally effective. Utilizing a PBS [Positive Behavior Supports program]‚ he provides a wealth of reinforcements to encourage academic growth, in addition to self-management practices that help students improve their own behavior. Students respect Mr. Diaz for his patience and often express how much they love being in his class." Mr. Diaz is highly regarded for his ability to collaborate and communicate with families and the regular Bannon Creek School staff, with whom he regularly interacts to promote mainstreaming opportunities for his students. He has successfully implemented enrichment programs including cross-age tutoring (such as "reading and math buddies") as well as The Polite Child, Social Smarts curriculum. His supervisor concludes, "Mr. Diaz is an enthusiastic, hardworking, and dedicated teacher who is continually improving the learning environment of his classroom to meet individual student needs. He has set a high standard in his commitment to the teaching profession. He is a valuable asset to SCOE's elementary ED program." Mr. Diaz has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since November 2006.

December 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Consuelo Villalobos, Staff Secretary, was nominated by School Readiness Department Director Natalie Woods Andrews, Ed.D., for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Villalobos provides general office support to SCOE's School Readiness Department. She is the first point of telephone communication for the department and is responsible for scheduling appointments and meetings for the department directors, as well as maintaining the department events calendar. Among her tasks include keeping records and maintaining/tracking the department budget, which includes oversight of work orders, purchase orders, deposits, invoices, supply orders, conference/travel claims, and mileage claims. Ms. Villalobos supports the California Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN), funded by the California Department of Education (CDE) Child Development Division. Through regular communication with the statewide CPIN regional leads and CDE staff, she sets up and calendars statewide conference calls and videoconferences. Ms. Villalobos provides support for the CPIN Advisory and Regional Lead meetings throughout the year by arranging facilities, food and audio-visual equipment; presentation and document preparation; and registration. She maintains extensive registration and evaluation databases, and provides reports as needed. She also creates forms, presentations and other key documents that are of high, professional quality. Her supervisor reports, "Consuelo is an extremely professional, well-organized employee who maintains a positive attitude in all aspects of her work. Her strong, positive working relationships with colleagues within the department and within the agency are among her greatest assets." Ms. Villalobos is highly regarded for her customer service skills. She is extremely efficient in meeting requests from the leads, as well as CDE and WestEd staff, via phone and e-mail. In addition, she is always responsive to requests during the on-site meetings by arranging shipping or delivery of materials for the presenters and leads, and meeting last-minute AV needs and photocopy requests. Ms. Villalobos organizes events and activities for the department, including recognitions of birthdays and other observances and arranging for displays and activities at SCOE events. Because of her creativity and strong organizational skills, the School Readiness Department has been recognized for award-winning display tables each year at SCOE's Employee Recognition Day. Her supervisor concludes, "We are extremely fortunate that Consuelo has joined the School Readiness Department team. She has played a critical role in maintaining cohesion and a spirit of teamwork as the department staff has expanded over the years. We are truly grateful for her many contributions to the department." Ms. Villalobos has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since September 2006.

December 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Dana Eagen, Program Specialist, was nominated by Dr. Natalie Woods Andrews, Director of SCOE's School Readiness Department, for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Eagen works two-third time for Supporting Early Education Delivery Systems (SEEDS) Project, coordinated by SCOE to provide training and technical assistance across the state to local education agency staff serving young children with disabilities and their families. Additionally, he works one-third time for SCOE's California Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN), where he provides professional development, technical assistance, and on-site support to administrators and teachers in the 10-county Capital Service Region of Northern California. Mr. Eagen's job duties are many and encompass a wide variety of topical areas pertinent to early childhood with an emphasis in special education. Most recently he has focused on disseminating information on supporting English learners in home visiting programs and preschool classrooms. His supervisor reports that Mr. Eagen "possesses a vast knowledge base in the area of early childhood special education and continually strives to stay abreast of recommended practices. He has expressed a strong desire to link and support individuals through networking opportunities, and firmly believes individuals can learn so much from each other. He encourages practitioners to draw upon existing resources by working together." Mr. Eagen is passionate about including families and young children in all aspects of their daily activities and communities where they reside. He promotes a full inclusion philosophy and integrates it into the professional development he conducts. One of his fellow program specialists describes him as "a constant collaborator. He truly believes in the potential of everyone he meets and acknowledges colleagues for their assets that they bring to their work." Another colleague comments: "Dana's perspective on life is that there is always a light that shines even in the greatest of darkness. He seeks, finds and radiates that light in his daily life. He listens with empathy and focus and epitomizes the meaning of reflective practice in his work." Concludes his supervisor, "Dana is an incredibly warm, friendly, funny, and good natured person. Anyone who knows Dana does not hesitate to be on a committee or work group with him. They know he will get the job done. He exudes both a personal and a professional integrity that everyone admires and seeks to emulate." Mr. Eagen has played a critical role on the Superintendent's Preschool Committee. Most recently he was selected to be a coach for the Excellence in Early Childhood Education Leadership ExCEL training program under the auspices of the Special Education Early Childhood Administrator's (SEECAP) Project coordinated by the San Diego County Office of Education. Mr. Eagen has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since August 1993.

November 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Amos Nugent III, Special Education Technician, was nominated by Principal Felix Duncan for his contributions to the Juvenile Court and Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Nugent works with at-risk students ages 12-18 at SCOE's Gerber Jr./Sr. High School located in South Sacramento. He assists teachers in providing direct instruction to students with behavioral and learning disabilities. During direct instruction, he provides classroom management to help ensure a safe and effective learning environment. Mr. Nugent also leads small groups of students in guided practice on the subjects in which he also helps provide direct instruction. He works with students to help them meet their required literacy and transition goals. Mr. Nugent served as SCOE's liaison and as a chaperone for the 2009 HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) tour. Students' families, too, benefit from his dedication to the educational program of Gerber School. He has organized and helped present a money management workshop series for parents. Outside the school, Mr. Nugent contributes greatly to the community. Among his many civic affiliations is the Greater Sacramento Urban League's Young Professionals organization, for which he helps coordinate and present financial literacy initiatives benefiting local high school students. The Sacramento Observer newspaper named him one of Sacramento's "30 Under 30" of the area's most inspiring young leaders, and he was recognized as one of 16 young local adults in the Nehemiah Corporation of America's "Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program." His supervisor says, "We are fortunate to have someone as gifted as Mr. Nugent working with our students. He is well-deserving of this Employee of the Month honor." Mr. Nugent has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since April 2008.

November 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Kathy Turner, Regional Occupational Program teacher, was nominated by Assistant Superintendent Tim Taylor for her contributions to the Career-Technical Education program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Turner teaches students in Clinical and Administrative Chiropractic Assisting classes at SCOE's Yolo High School setting in West Sacramento. In the course of her work, she certifies students in First Aid and CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Area chiropractic professionals have considerable regard for the quality of Ms. Turner's instructional skills; her students achieve an extremely high rate of job placement. Ms. Turner shares her expertise by opening up her classroom to SCOE staff several times a year. These events serve to provide opportunities for her students to provide therapeutic services and interact with the public. SCOE staff are most receptive, frequently asking her, "When is the next event?" In addition to her work in the classroom, Ms. Turner has helped with SCOE's WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation. She has worked with administrators and teachers to form SCOE's original PAR (Peer Assistance and Review) Committee and has served as PAR Chairperson. Ms. Turner is also active in SCOE's Teachers Association, filling numerous roles. Comments her supervisor, "Ms. Turner's teaching skills and her initiative are highly regarded. Her dedication to her students, to the organization and to Career-Technical Education greatly benefit SCOE." Ms. Turner has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since January 1990.

Substitute of the Quarter (Fall)

Substitute Para-Educator Kenneth Sanders has been nominated by Effie Crush, Chief Administrator, Human Resources for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Sanders has worked in SCOE's Juvenile Court and Community School settings, as well as in special education instructional programs for students with emotional disabilities. During the past year and a half, he has worked in SCOE classrooms for nearly 350 days as a Para-Educator. He provides support to classroom teachers by working with students in small groups or on an individual basis, as well as assisting in areas of student safety and behavior management. His primary assignments have been of a long-term duration while employees are on leave. "Mr. Sanders is a dedicated member of our educational team who provides stability and continuity to SCOE students while permanent staff are away from their classrooms," report supervisors. "He has been a successful addition to each class in which he has worked." Mr. Sanders has been employed as a substitute Para-Educator by the Sacramento County Office of Education since February 2008.

October 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Leslie Friedman, Para-Educator, was nominated by Principal Lyn Efken for her contributions to the Special Education Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Friedman works with students in teacher Eziuche Okemiri's classroom at SCOE's El Centro Junior/Senior High School. In addition to assisting the teacher with direct instruction, she frequently works with students independently or in small groups. "Ms. Friedman's patience and her soft-spoken manner help the students really relate to her," says her supervisor. "She and Mr. Okemiri do much more than teach subjects. They teach important life skills and model qualities such as respect and courtesy." Ms. Friedman is valued for her ability to build trusting relationships with students, many of whom have found this lacking in their lives. "She is a very caring individual," says her supervisor, "someone who is able to touch the hearts of students." Ms. Friedman has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since July 2008.

October 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Eziuche Okemiri, Special Day Class Teacher, was nominated by Principal Lyn Efken for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education Special Education Program. Mr. Okemiri serves students in a Special Day Class at SCOE's Centro Jr/Sr High School campus located within Sacramento County Juvenile Hall. With Para-Educator Leslie Friedman, Mr. Okemiri provides special education services to students who are primarily identified as having an emotional disturbance or learning disability. Up to one dozen students are enrolled in the self-contained classroom, where they learn core subjects and more. According to his supervisor, Mr. Okemiri excels at meeting the diverse and ever-changing needs of this highly transient student population. "He is one of the finest teachers I have come across," she says. "His direct instructional approach and his interaction with his students are amazing to watch, and they achieve results." Mr. Okemiri is known for his subject matter expertise and the respectful and dignified way in which he treats his students. His supervisor concludes, "The students benefit every day from their interaction with this exemplary teacher." Mr. Okemiri has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since March 2008.