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 which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in Sacramento County. Over 230,000 K-12 students are served by public schools in Sacramento County.
Classified Employees of the Month
Aimee Davis and Roberta Etter, both Para-Educators/SH, were nominated by Principal Sharon Holstege for their contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Davis and Ms. Etter work as a team in the kindergarten and first grade class at SCOE's Dry Creek School campus serving students who have significant physical disabilities. Their supervisor lauds their collective and individual skills, which greatly benefit students and families. "Aimee has a calm, consistent and fun way of working with children," reports Principal Holstege. "She is a conscientious employee who is extremely effective in maximizing students' instructional moments." She illustrates how Ms. Davis initiates instructional opportunities throughout the day, teaching motor skills such as climbing up and down school bus steps, daily living skills such as carrying and putting away backpacks, cognitive skills such as recognizing the correct classroom, communication skills such as greetings, and more. "She is a natural teacher," says her supervisor. Ms. Etter is a certified MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) International Trainer. Her knowledge of the specialized MOVE equipment is highly valued by colleagues, students and families. Principal Holstege says, "Roberta is a wonderful resource and is often called on to help problem-solve with student equipment. She is a hard worker who will go above and beyond to do what is right for a student." Principal Holstege tells of a student who-with the guidance of Ms. Etter-developed skills enabling him to ride the school bus like other children instead of being transported by family car. "He now even walks to the classroom by himself. His self-confidence and pride in his independence can be noted by the smile on his face," says Principal Holstege. Ms. Davis has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since February 2007. Ms. Etter has been employed by SCOE since October 1999.
Certificated Employee of the Month
SH Teacher Lisa Walker was nominated by Principal Sharon Holstege for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Walker teaches kindergarten and first grade students having significant disabilities at SCOE's Dry Creek School campus. She is a MOVE International Trainer, and her classroom is one of only five MOVE demonstration sites in Northern California. Says Principal Holstege, "Lisa is an extraordinary teacher. She and her team have mastered the art of 'intentional teaching.' From the moment a student arrives each day, he or she is given opportunities and the support needed to learn. Through the efforts of this team, guided by Lisa, one can observe students making progress in a short period of time." A California State University, Sacramento, professor watched Ms. Walker's class in action and commented, "She knows how to run a classroom." As a MOVE International Trainer, Ms. Walker provides support to other SCOE sites so that the education teams can help their students achieve the skills of sitting, standing and walking. She has also provided assistance to school districts as they begin to implement the MOVE curriculum. Her supervisor says, "Lisa's sense of humor and her enjoyment of her work with children combine to keep students engaged. She has high expectations of her students and works hard to ensure their success." Ms. Walker has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since January 1991.