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
Valorie Williams, Para-Educator, was nominated by Acting Principal Lisa Alcalá for her contributions to the Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Valorie works with 7th through 10th graders in math, English, science, and history classes at Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School, assisting classroom teachers Jack Branson and Michelle DeMenno. She works with individuals and small groups of students to raise their academic levels in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, with the goal of getting them on track for a successful return to their home school district. The students with whom she works range in age from 11-16 years old and are placed at the school site for up to two semesters. Her supervisor says, "What is most inspiring about Valorie is how in tune and 'on' she is during the course of the day. From the moment Valorie walks on campus, until the time the students leave, she is all about keeping the students focused." Ms. Williams is known for holding students to a high standard and making sure they are not falling short of what they are capable of accomplishing. Concludes her supervisor, "Valorie is inspirational to all the staff not only as a co-worker, but also as a woman and a friend. We are so fortunate to have Valorie as a Para-Educator on our campus. Our students are better for spending their day with her." Ms. Williams has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since December 2006.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Pedro Marquez III, Teacher, was nominated by Principal Carol Johnston for his contributions to the Juvenile Court Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Marquez is currently the teacher in charge at the Morgan Jr./Sr. High School at SCOE's River Oaks facility. He teaches 8th-12th grade students in mathematics, physical education and credit recovery courses. Mr. Marquez works collaboratively with the various partners including the Sacramento Probation Department and Quality Group Homes in a unique setting and program delivery model. Mr. Marquez is the "backbone" of the program at Morgan as it has transitioned from its former location near juvenile hall to its current location at the River Oaks facility. He has developed an instructional and team leadership style with students, staff and partners that promotes strong discipline in the classroom and success upon transitioning from the program. He builds strong relationships with his students to help them feel secure in their academic achievement and success outside of the classroom. Many students in the program are foster youth who will transition from the program to either another placement or complete their high school diploma and program at Morgan. "The students trust and respect Mr. Marquez" says his supervisor, "and he has a very special way of working with his student population. He is a leader by example." Mr. Marquez has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since January 2007.