Board of Education Recognizes October 2010 Employees of the MonthThe 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 that 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
Baljit Jhatu, a Personnel Technician, was nominated by Human Resources Chief Administrator Effie Crush for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Jhatu serves as a primary credential information source for SCOE's certificated employees and school districts within Sacramento County and the surrounding area. Her duties include processing and monitoring of teaching credentials, as well as providing support for SCOE's daily personnel operations. Ms. Jhatu helps credential applicants navigate the complex credentialing process, explaining state laws and Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) rules, regulations, policies and procedures. She also evaluates application packets for completeness and compliance, and she evaluates candidates' transcripts, experience and training for designated subject credentials. Based upon her detailed review and analysis, Ms. Jhatu recommends issuance of credentials such as substitute, emergency, specialist, designated subjects, and basic. Local school district personnel also rely upon her for assistance in reviewing and approving teacher credential applications. Her supervisor says, "Ms. Jhatu is a quick learner and she provides customer service daily with enthusiasm and her upbeat attitude." Ms. Jhatu has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since November 2008.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Kathleen Deaver, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, was nominated by Principal Carmen Walker for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Deaver works with students ranging in age from preschool to young adults. Some of her students are in regular education classrooms; others are in special education classrooms, including those for students with severe disabilities/handicaps (SH). Many students have additional impairments or medical challenges. She teaches students who are visually impaired how to move safely between indoor areas, how to safely cross intersections and how to access public transportation. Her SH students learn to coordinate their physical movements and manipulate and move around in different environments. Her supervisor says, "Ms. Deaver helps these students not only attain a level of independence, but also to integrate appropriate and successful social skills." Ms. Deaver has served on SCOE's Special Education Student Body Fund Committee and currently participates as a member of the MediCal Collaborative. She is a past member of the Youth Advisory Committee for Sacramento Society for the Blind and also assisted with the Northern California Olympics for Low Vision and Blind Students. Her work at SCOE and in the community has earned her awards and recognition from organizations such as CAOMS (California Association of Orientation and Mobility Specialists). Concludes her supervisor, "Ms. Deaver effectively collaborates and consults with families, teachers, peers, and other significant persons in the students' lives to implement and integrate student goals and activities. She is an exemplary representative of SCOE." Ms. Deaver has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since October 1991.