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 Employee of the Month
Cecilia Iglesias, Para-Educator II, was nominated by Special Education Principal Beth Vieira and Teacher Teri Edinburgh for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE). Ms. Iglesias works in SCOE's special day class at Prairie Elementary School West with K-3rd grade students having severe disabilities. Says teacher Teri Edinburgh, "Cecilia has been an asset to my classroom and a constant source of support for me as a teacher, for Para-Educator Mary Jacino, and for our students. She is known for her strong work ethic, which begins the moment she enters the classroom each morning and does not let up when the last student is placed on the bus at the end of the day." Her contributions to the program are many, such as securing materials for making gingerbread houses, decorations for making holiday wreaths, and sand for an art project. Continues Ms. Edinburgh, "Cecilia is great with our students as well. One can tell when observing her work with them that she has a true love for them, and that our students have a true love for her. Her quiet nature, calming voice, and nurturing spirit help promote trust in our students, and set a classroom environment conducive to learning." Principal Vieira states, "Cecilia's care, concern, and compassion for our students have been witnessed by many in the community while on our CBI (Community Based Instruction), on class field trips and on our school campus. I have received many compliments over the years from school staff, parents, and community members regarding how well Cecilia works with our students. Words that have been used to describe her are caring, compassionate, good with her students, and patient. The Sacramento County Office of Education should be proud to have Cecilia Iglesias represent what an outstanding Para-Educator II should be." Ms. Iglesias has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since July 2001.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Laura Prescott, ED Teacher, was nominated by Special Education Principal Lauren Roth for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Prescott teaches in a special education class for students with emotional disturbance at SCOE's Leo A. Palmiter Jr /Sr High School. She is one of the three teachers in the flourishing Culinary Arts Academy at the campus, working with students to achieve both social and academic success. She creatively utilizes students' statements and ideas in classroom discussions; students give and take suggestions freely while sharing their thoughts and knowledge. Ms. Prescott is an active participant in the school's PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Leadership Team, which develops school-wide strategies to teach positive school behaviors. She also serves as Teacher Advisor of the campus Visual Arts Club. Principal Roth says, "When Ms. Prescott attends professional development opportunities, she takes the information and immediately will implement in order to develop a more effective learning environment in her classroom." Ms. Prescott completed "Edible Schoolyard" training last summer in Berkeley, and has integrated key environmental concepts in her classroom. She presents the curriculum in a meaningful way, always aligning standards to concepts taught in the ROP (Regional Occupational Program) Culinary Arts classroom. Concludes Principal Roth, "Ms. Prescott is a conscientious, thorough and dependable staff member. She can be relied on to meet all deadlines. Her classroom culture is positive and is designed to encourage mutual respect. When in her classroom, her students are always engaged in the learning process and, with her encouragement, trying their very best." Ms. Prescott became an employee of the Sacramento County of Education in 1997 as a Para-Educator, and in 2001 was promoted to Special Education Technician. She earned her teaching credential and has served as a SCOE special education teacher since 2005.