Classified (non-certificated, non-management) employees are vital staff members who play key roles in creating a school environment that promotes student achievement, safety, and health. They work hand-in-hand with teachers and administrators to do things like keep facilities safe and clean, handle clerical and fiscal responsibilities, maintain computers and infrastructure, and provide extra support directly to students. The professionals nominated for this prestigious honor are recognized for their ongoing and exemplary performance of responsibilities contributing significantly to the success of SCOE programs, services, or special projects.

 

COE teachers work in unique and specialized situations, educating students in community schools, special education, job training programs, and those who are incarcerated. Teachers work tirelessly with their students (and often the students’ families) in these diverse and frequently challenging assignments.

 

The Sacramento County Classified School Employees of the Year Program acknowledges and promotes the efforts of the county’s outstanding classified (non-certificated, non-management) employees. Those recognized for this honor are selected for exemplary performance in creating a school environment that contributes to the whole child by promoting student achievement, safety, and health.

District and SCOE staff compete in some or all of nine categories set by the California Department of Education (CDE​). A committee—including district and SCOE representatives—selects employees to represent Sacramento County at the state level based on a paper screening process.

Winners at the county level move on to compete at the state level. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction traditionally announces the recipients of the state awards in the spring, in conjunction with Classified School Employees Week.

 

County Teacher of the Year Program

 

"Operation Recognition" is a program adopted by the Sacramento County Board of Education and other organizations throughout the United States to honor individuals whose secondary education was interrupted due to circumstances of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During the 1940s, and again in the 1950s and 1960s, thousands of young men and women left high school to serve in the United States Armed Forces. After these wars, many veterans were not able to finish high school but led productive lives and helped build our communities over their lifetimes.  

Also, during World War II, thousands of Japanese American citizens were forced to leave their homes to be interned in relocation camps at various locations in the United States. These citizens were denied the freedom other Americans enjoyed, and many served with the U.S. Armed Forces. Some were unable to complete high school, yet they, too, went on to build productive lives and have greatly contributed to the American way of life.  

Through the "Operation Recognition" program, the Sacramento County Office of Education will provide a high school diploma to qualifying World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans, and to Japanese American citizens who were interned in World War II relocation camps. This is a gesture of our society's gratitude for the sacrifices they made in the name of freedom.