The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 650 regular and more than 950 temporary and substitute SCOE staff work year-round providing services that complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in Sacramento County.
Classified Employee of the Month
Judy Haselden, a Para-Educator, has been nominated by Principal Judy Yamamoto for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Haselden works at SCOE's Leo A. Palmiter High School. As a Para-Educator, she provides support and assistance to SCOE teachers in a classroom setting. She devotes considerable personal attention and care to helping her students, who have emotional disabilities of varying levels, meet their academic goals. She is an active member of the Palmiter High School campus team, participating in and supporting school programs such as graduations and student enrichment activities. Ms. Haselden's colleagues comment positively on her commitment to Palmiter's students and her interest in helping them succeed both in school and in life. Ms. Haselden has been employed by SCOE since November, 1990.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Lisa Walker, a Teacher of special education students, has been nominated by Principal Pam Nolan for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Walker serves "SH" students (students with severe handicaps/disabilities) at SCOE's Dry Creek Elementary School campus. According to her supervisor, "Lisa demonstrates a remarkable commitment to her students. She strives to help them become independent members of their families and their communities." Ms. Walker has encouraged interactions between her students and regular education students, which helps the children develop relationships with each other and discover similarities and common ground. This friendship and encouragement help both groups of children develop a better understanding of each other. Says her supervisor, Ms. Walker's motto is, "We only have the kids for six hours a day, and we need to make every minute count toward changing the quality of the students' lives." Students and families become very attached to Ms. Walker, her supervisor observes, because "she teaches from the heart." Ms. Walker has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since January 1991.