The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 650 regular and more than 950 temporary and substitute SCOE staff work year-round providing services which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in Sacramento County. Over 230,000 K-12 students are served by public schools in Sacramento County.
Classified Employee of the Month
Kim Franklin Norris, a Para-Educator/ED, was nominated by Principal Lauren Roth for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Norris works at SCOE's Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School campus in a classroom serving students who have emotional disturbances. Her supervisor says, "Kim demonstrates a sincere interest in students and ensures that the classroom environment is one in which learning can and does take place." Mrs. Norris is known for her positive approach during trainings and staff meetings, to which she actively contributes and provides solutions. Her steady presence at school-family activities such as "Back to School Night" and Open House help make her a valued member of the Palmiter team. Concludes her supervisor, "Staff look up to Mrs. Norris as she exemplifies dedication to the profession. When working with students, she maintains the confidence of the students by exhibiting fairness and patience." Ms. Norris has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since March 2005.
Certificated Employee of the Month
ED Teacher Lydia Maerdian was nominated by Principal Lauren Roth for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Maerdian teaches in a special education class for students with emotional disturbance at Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School. In addition to her classroom assignment, she serves as Teacher-in-Charge. Ms. Maerdian coordinates all state-mandated assessments for students at the Palmiter campus and works with students as an Academic Bowl coach. Her strength in interpreting and presenting curriculum makes subject matter interesting for her students, says Ms. Maerdian's supervisor. "Her in-depth knowledge of the core content enables her to greatly engage her students. Her students benefit because she keeps up-to-date in environmental science, sustainable development and current events." Ms. Maerdian, who is lauded as her supervisor as "reliable, honest, dedicated, conscientious, thorough and dependable," has participated as a member of both Curriculum Adoption and Course of Study Committees, as well as the School Site Council. Concludes her supervisor, "Ms. Maerdian's students give and take suggestions freely while sharing their thoughts and knowledge through class assignments and discussions. Her rapport with students is noteworthy." Ms. Maerdian has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since September 2004.
Substitute of the Quarter (Spring)
Gerry Lamothe was nominated by Chief Administrator of Human Resources Effie Crush for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education as an outstanding substitute employee. Since 2005/06, Mr. Lamothe has worked in excess of 150 days each school year. He has worked at several sites within SCOE's Juvenile Court and Community Schools Program and for the last two years has worked predominately in classrooms for students who have emotional disabilities (ED). Among his responsibilities have been direct instruction, student safety, behavior modification and support of other staff members. When the Special Education classroom began at El Centro Jr./Sr. High School, he worked to get the program started and served as a Substitute Teacher during the recruitment process for the permanent teacher. He has served as a summer school teacher and for the last two summers as the Substitute Behavior Management Technician for SCOE's ED classroom in Galt. Ms. Crush reports, "Mr. Lamothe is loved by students and staff alike." Mr. Lamothe has been a substitute employee for the Sacramento County Office of Education since November 2005.