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
John Woodward, a Web Developer, has been nominated by Communications Director Tim Herrera for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Woodward, who works in SCOE's Communications Office, has primary responsibility for oversight of the organization's multi-faceted website. Through Mr. Woodward's efforts, SCOE's website has received statewide recognition for two consecutive years through the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA). Mr. Woodward is also the driving force behind several additional CalSPRA communications awards being presented to SCOE in May. Mr. Woodward's work as Web Developer extends beyond keeping SCOE's information current and effectively organized on the website; he uses his creative skills to design Web pages and print materials for SCOE programs and departments. His video shooting and editing skills have enabled the Communications Office to launch a series of informative videos that highlight SCOE accomplishments. He is highly regarded by SCOE colleagues for his exemplary customer service and project organization skills, and he serves as a valuable technology and design resource to many departments. His supervisor says, "John's skills are in great demand, whether someone needs information posted on the website, or they need him to talk them through the steps of using a software program. We are fortunate to have him as a member of our team." Mr. Woodward has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since 2000.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Lisa Alcalá, a Teacher, has been nominated by Principal Byron Lockhart for her contributions to the Community Schools program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Alcalá teaches students at SCOE's Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr.-Sr. High School campus. In addition to teaching all subjects to 8th-12th graders in a self-contained classroom, she serves as the school's Teacher in Charge—a role new to her, but one in which she has excelled. Her supervisor reports that news of the tragic shooting death of one of the students during non-school hours was dealt with at the campus by Ms. Alcalá in a sensitive manner. "It was Ms. Alcalá who provided exceptional leadership for our students and staff. Her actions and presence not only helped maintained the stability of the program by providing leadership in ensuring the safety and security of our campus, but she also provided emotional support for our staff and our students… Ms. Alcalá's guidance and composed demeanor were the proverbial "rock" that the other staff members could lean on during this time of crisis." He concludes, "Ms. Alcalá always demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities. Not only is Ms. Alcalá an outstanding classroom teacher, but she has embraced her obligation and responsibility as the school's 'Teacher in Charge' with enthusiasm and effectiveness." Ms. Alcalá has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since 2005.