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
Una Fairweather, Para-Educator, was nominated by Principal Mike Borgaard, Ed.D., for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Fairweather works with 9th-12th grade students at SCOE's El Centro Jr./Sr. High School, which is located within the Sacramento County Juvenile Hall. In addition to assisting the classroom teacher with academic instruction and support, she serves on the El Centro Jr./Sr. High School Site Council and is a member of the SCOE Substitute Review Committee. Her supervisor says. "I have witnessed Ms. Fairweather's work in many situations—in classroom interaction, at Site Council, and in committee and faculty meetings. She always brings energy and a sense of calm professionalism to the moment. People see her as someone who will be reasonable and helpful. She is often the 'voice of reason' when difficult issues arise." He also lauds Ms. Fairweather's work as a Para-Educator. "She is a model for the work that is done by Para-Educators. The role of the Para-Educator is often defined moment to moment, and Ms. Fairweather has an innate sense of what is appropriate in that moment. She is courteous, compassionate, respectful, and demonstrates the highest level of emotional intelligence in her interactions with students and staff." Ms. Fairweather's supervisor concludes, "Her interaction with students is exemplary. I continue to be impressed with the contribution that Ms. Fairweather makes to our school as well as the entire organization." Ms. Fairweather has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since July 2005.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Joe Kozel, Teacher, was nominated by Principal Mike Borgaard, Ed.D., for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Kozel teaches Social Studies and English/Language Arts at SCOE's El Centro Jr./Sr. High School campus within Sacramento County Juvenile Hall. He partners with one other teacher to teach 7th-8th grade boys and 7th-12th grade girls. Reports his supervisor, "I am very impressed with the teaching of Mr. Kozel, both in terms of the subject as well as the delivery. His expertise in the subject matter is apparent, and he handles the delivery of the subject matter as well as the subsequent interaction with great respect and dignity for the students. I am convinced that his students benefit daily from his teaching as well as their interaction with this exemplary teacher." Mr. Kozel additionally serves as Teacher-in-Charge, as a member of El Centro Jr./Sr. High School Site Council and as a member of SCOE's Science Curriculum Adoption Committee. Concludes his supervisor, "Mr. Kozel is a very conscientious, caring teacher. He is also a gifted leader who responds to challenges in a way that is helpful to all involved. He has a genuine concern for people, is very well organized and is devoted to excellence in his classroom responsibilities. Joe Kozel is a tremendous asset to El Centro Jr./Sr. High School and to the students we serve." Mr. Kozel has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since May 1992.