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
Kelly Kuhl, a para-educator, was nominated by Principal Carmen Walker for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Kuhl supports the teacher and students in SCOE's Culinary Arts Program located on the campus of Leo A. Palmiter Junior-Senior High School. The majority of students enrolled in the program are ED students (those with emotional disturbances), grades 10-12. The students are learning academic, career and life skills in the classroom and through their work in the campus Culinary Café. Ms. Kuhl is known for her cheerful nature and her ability to work with students from a variety of backgrounds. "Even after working with students all day in a stressful restaurant setting, Kelly is constantly upbeat and smiling," says her supervisor. "Her positive attitude always shines through and helps her students get through their busy day." Ms. Kuhl serves as an integral part of a classroom team that provides vocational training at the Palmiter site. Her supervisor reports, "Kelly's rapport with the students is exemplary. She is truly dedicated and works tirelessly with the certificated teacher to train students who actually run a cafe and serve meals to the public two days a week." Ms. Kuhl has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since October 2002.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Marsha Cornwell, a teacher, was nominated by Principal Lyn Efken for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Cornwell serves at O.W. Holmes Elementary School as a teacher of sixth grade students who have emotional disturbances. She is responsible for establishing an instructional/learning environment for her students, helping develop instructional goals and objectives to meet each student's educational and behavioral needs based on the student's IEP (Individual Education Plan). Using a variety of modifications and strategies, she has created an environment that accommodates different learning styles. She conducts assessments to determine each student's current ability/continued eligibility in the program while maintaining records and reports regarding his or her daily progress. Ms. Cornwell also develops cooperative working relationships with parents, staff, district personnel, and other community service agencies. She is the key person coordinating services for students with special needs, ensuring that services are appropriate and provided on a regular basis. Ms. Cornwell routinely takes on leadership roles that inspire staff. Her supervisor says, "Staff admire her ability to handle student issues and problems with fairness, yet never compromising her expectations." She has served as a Teacher-in-Charge, as a member of the English Language Arts Adoption Committee, and the ED Leadership Committee. She has also served as a master teacher for student teachers, in addition to training numerous para-educators. "Even though she has taught for 20-plus years, she continues to bring new personal life experiences to the classroom," says her supervisor. "When entering Marsha's classroom, one immediately is aware of her ability to build on the strength of each individual student, creating an exemplary learning environment." Ms. Cornwell has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since August 1980.