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
Karen Youngblood, a school secretary with the Special Education Department, has been nominated by Principal Sharon Holstege for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Youngblood works at SCOE’s Prairie Elementary School—West Campus site, which serves Elk Grove-area students who have severe disabilities. She provides support to the instructional staff as well as to families of students. According to her supervisor, Ms. Youngblood is “extremely competent and is such a resource for staff, parents of students, and administrators. She never shies away from a challenge, whether it be negotiating with a school district to provide student lunches during SCOE’s summer program, calming staff when the school parking lot is closed for weeks due to construction, or assisting a family who has come to Prairie West to enroll a child.” Her supervisor notes Ms. Youngblood’s positive, can0do attitude, saying, “Karen anticipates what needs to be done and has a great sense of humor. She is an unbelievable school secretary.” Ms. Youngblood has been employed by SCOE since November 2000.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Kim Forsythe, a teacher in the Special Education Department, has been nominated by Program Specialist Meladee McCarty for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Forsythe works with SH (Severely Handicapped) students in SCOE’s Special Day Class located at Galt High School. She provides instruction in academic and functional curriculum, life skills training for independent living, community-based instruction, vocational training, and involvement in the Workability Grant to help students learn at supported worksites. She has developed a Peer Tutoring Program that provides training, educational units, and life skills to general education students on the campus who work with SCOE’s SH students. Through the program, Galt High School students learn about disabilities, communication skills, and a variety of strategies in working with students who are severely challenged. SCOE’s students also benefit by making friends on campus and being included in a variety of activities that typical high school students experience. Ms. Forsythe has served as Teacher-in-Charge, playing a lead role in student IEPs, home visits, and other activities. She has contributed to professional staff development by providing training related to the California Alternate Performance Test and other topics. As a SCOE Trainer of Trainers for Educational Benefits, she works with colleagues to foster the important connection between teaching, accountability, and student growth. According to colleagues, Ms. Forsythe’s students rarely miss school because she makes learning fun and gives students the feeling they belong in the community. They say that her “quiet competence and outstanding teaching performance” combine to make her an “extraordinarily exemplary employee.” Parents have referred to Ms. Forsythe as “that special teacher who comes along once in a lifetime.” Ms. Forsythe has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since July 1999.