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
Betty Poole, an Infant Educator with the Special Education Department, was nominated by Principal Gina Guarneri for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. As a member of SCOE's Infant Development Program (IDP) team, Ms. Poole is based at the Ralph Richardson Infant Center in Carmichael. She provides instruction and support to babies and toddlers with disabilities, working both in the homes of her students' families and in a group setting at Ralph Richardson Infant Center. Ms. Poole has established strong working relationships between SCOE and community partners such as Early Head Start. During her work with SCOE's infant students, she has brought parents and siblings into active participation in the educational process. The relationships she builds contribute to the successes of SCOE students. She is also very supportive of her fellow IDP staff members, representing the Ralph Richardson Infant Center team by serving on SCOE's IDP Advisory Council. According to her supervisor, Ms. Poole "provides high-quality services to parents and children. She is a true team player." Ms. Poole has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since November 1984.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Norman "Ted" Smith, a Teacher with the Special Education Department, was nominated by Principal Judy Yamamoto for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Smith teaches a Special Day Class for emotionally disturbed students at Leo A. Palmiter Jr.-Sr. High School. He provides individualized instruction based on students' academic, behavioral and transition needs. He coordinates IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) for students and maintains regular communication with parents, 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 in disbursement of campus Carl Perkins (training) funds. His supervisor says, "His students know that Mr. Smith will listen to them in a fair and unbiased manner." She commends him for "providing a classroom environment that is conducive to student progress." Mr. Smith has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since October 2002.