The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 700 full-time and more than 2,500 part-time SCOE staff work year-round providing services which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in the County of Sacramento. Over 230,000 K-12 students are served by public schools in Sacramento County.
Classified Employee of the Month
Lisa Chesin, a Para-Educator, was nominated by Principal Andrea Lemos for her contributions to the Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Chesin works in the classroom setting with students at Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr.-Sr. High School. In the words of her supervisor, "Lisa is always out and about in the classroom. She is actively helping the students in class, whether through one-on-one instruction in an area in which a student is struggling, small group support for students, or a quick reminder to get back on task. She is very patient and empathetic regarding the stresses and challenges students face, while supporting them in reaching their goals." One of the teachers with whom she works says, "This year, Ms. Chesin took advantage of an election year and developed a six-week unit covering the ins and outs of politics. It was so great to see the students engage in learning about how our government is built and how it operates. Lisa not only talked to the students about the candidates and the issues, but also encouraged them to look past the hype and rumors to make an informed decision. Her next endeavor is to teach the art of debate." Ms. Chesinís supervisor concludes, "Ms. Chesin takes the time to get to know each of the students individually. Some students are slower to trust and connect with adults, but this doesn't stop her. She keeps trying until she makes a connection. The students here are fortunate to have her on their side." Ms. Chesin has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since March 2007.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Joe Wilson, a Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Teacher, was nominated by Principal Linda Mitchell for his contributions to the Juvenile Court Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Wilson teaches the Landscaping, Nursery and Grounds Maintenance course at Carson Creek Jr.-Sr. High School, which is located within Sacramento County Probation's Boys Ranch facility. His program makes career-technical education the vehicle in which students build academic skill in an applied setting that introduces them to career options. He teaches two 3-hour classes each day, with 17 students in each class. His students maintain the grounds, lawns, landscaping, gardens and greenhouse at Boys Ranch. His supervisor says, "Mr. Wilson's expertise lies in his talent in building rapport with hard-to-reach students, allowing him to effectively add self-leadership and responsibility into the lessons." Mr. Wilson collaborates with Carson Creek teachers to provide horticultural projects that help bridge ROP and academic and career-technical educational approaches. Concludes his supervisor, "Joe can turn the digging up and repairing of a broken sprinkler pipe into a student lesson that involves math, anthropology, life science, art, physical education, responsibility training and how to lead a life of success. He's a teacher who students will be looking up in 20 years to thank because he changed them." Mr. Wilson has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since July 2007.