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.
Classified Employee of the Month
Elmer Brown, Adult Re-Entry Assistant, was nominated by Adult Re-Entry Programs Director Marc Nigel for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Brown provides support and assistance to SCOE’s Sacramento Community Based Coalition (SCBC) clients enrolled in the Cal Trans Litter Abatement training program. As they undergo job training and rehabilitation, SCBC clients receive strong encouragement and appreciation by Mr. Brown, who often waits to greet and check in with members of his Cal Trans crews when they return after assignments. His supervisor says, “Elmer carries out the functions of his job with diligence, a strong work ethic and light-heartedness. He is patient, firm, fair and consistent with the clients, and demonstrates a genuine concern for their welfare. Because of this he is able to gain their cooperation, trust and respect—which furthers their growth and success." Mr. Brown serves as a role model for the clients and is an empathetic listener. He reinforces their positive behavior by providing pizza and other incentives. Concludes his supervisor, “Elmer is a team player who assists as needed in other areas and is a joy to have on our SCBC team." Mr. Brown has been a SCOE employee since 2007.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Yahaira “Yahi” Martinez, Special Education Teacher (SH) was nominated by Special Education/Infant Development Program Director Andrea Lemos, Ed.D., for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Martinez works with preschool students who are enrolled in Head Start preschool programs as well as dually enrolled as part of the SCOE Inclusive Preschool program for students with moderate to more severe special needs. The students are fully included into the Head Start program with the support of Ms. Martinez and the SCOE para-educators with whom she works. Her students range from three to six years old and have a range of cognitive, motor, speech and language, behavior, and health-related needs. Ms. Martinez works with them in a way that provides necessary support while challenging them to move beyond their current levels of performance. She works in partnership with Head Start team members in Elk Grove Unified and Galt Union Elementary School Districts to collaboratively plans lessons and modify instruction so her students are able to be included authentically in the preschool program. Her supervisor says, “Yahaira is a collaborative, supportive and knowledgeable member of the inclusive preschool team. She is very positive and creates a safe environment in which students feel comfortable, welcomed and able to thrive and engage in learning at their own individual levels." Ms. Martinez is innovative and works to create opportunities for students to be included in activities with their typically developing peers. She utilizes adaptive equipment and assistive technology so children are able to have access to experiences other children enjoy and so that they can actively participate in learning. Continues her supervisor, “Yahi works well with families in supporting a smooth and safe transition for their child into preschool (which is often their first school experience) in a patient and kind way, and she supports the child’s transition to kindergarten as well. Yahaira is a very hard worker and is always looking for solutions to challenges that may arise within the day." Among her duties are planning Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and communicating with parents and others who work directly with each child. She conducts home visits with families to connect with them about addressing the needs of their child. Partnering with others including SCOE and outside agency occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists, she coordinates information and support for her students. Ms. Martinez additionally utilizes her bilingual skills in Spanish to support children and families. Concludes her supervisor, “Yahi has done an amazing job of building a cohesive team with para-educators and others in the classroom. Her para-educators talk about how ‘skilled, patient, knowledgeable, and collaborative’ she is and how much they respect and value working with her as a team. Yahi is truly an exemplary teacher and one we are proud and fortunate to have her as a member of our preschool team." Ms. Martinez has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since 2014.