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
Teri Derrington, a Para-Educator/SH, was nominated by Principal Sharon Holstege for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Derrington supports preschoolers in SCOE's program for students with severe handicaps (SH) at Markofer Elementary School Head Start and the Cosumnes River College Child Development Center. In her role as Para-Educator, she helps preschoolers learn kindergarten readiness skills. Ms. Derrington fosters in her students the use of problem-solving and communications skills to resolve conflicts, and she is known for her ability to discern when a child needs assistance and when the child requires encouragement and time. Her supervisor says, "Terri is a great role model for substitute employees and less experienced para-educators. Their skills are often enhanced by working with her." Ms. Derrington builds relationships among children with and without disabilities in the classroom. Concludes her supervisor, "Teri is able to provide just what a child needs in order to be successful." Ms. Derrington received the Sharon Neese Professional Development Award at the Northern California Early Childhood Education Conference in 2006. Ms. Derrington has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since December 1996.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Michele Deems, a Vision Specialist, was nominated by Principal Sharon Holstege for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Deems, who is based at SCOE's Dry Creek Elementary School site, works with students from numerous north area school districts-Twin Rivers Unified, Natomas Unified, Elverta Joint, Center Joint Unified, and Robla School Districts. Ms. Deems provides numerous services to students having visual impairments. She obtains books and instructional materials in large print or Braille as needed; secures and teaches the use of specialized equipment ranging from simple magnifiers to high-technology devices; provides multi-sensory materials to students having multiple disabilities; and teaches students to read and write in Braille. She consults with district and SCOE teachers to help ensure that her students' needs are being addressed. Reports her supervisor, "There are many things Michele does that are not in her job description. She goes above and beyond by supporting students outside of the school situation; for example, she has attended Social Security Administration and Department of Rehabilitation meetings with students' families to help facilitate the transition of students to post-school environments." Ms. Deems is regarded for her ability to establish both a professional and trusting relationship with students and their families. Her supervisor concludes, "Michele respectfully supports students in a manner which allows them to be successful. She has made a difference in her students' lives." Ms. Deems has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since August 2003.