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.
Classified Employee of the Month
Cari Wernicke, Transition Specialist, was nominated by Juvenile Court and Community Schools Director Chris Aland for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Wernicke works at SCOE’s El Centro Jr./Sr. High School campus located within the B.T. Collins Youth Center, also known as Juvenile Hall, operated by the Sacramento County Probation Department. She maintains a caseload of students, acting as liaison for them and their families between other agencies. She assists students in completing forms and obtaining documents for transition, training, and education when they leave incarceration. As part of a team, she assists in developing Student Success Plans (SSP) and participates in collaborative meetings with staff and agencies. Says her supervisor, “The transition from high school to the real world can be difficult and stressful for many students—especially for young people who are considered high-risk. Ms. Wernicke provides much-needed individualized attention to prepare our students to re-enter the community and achieve success.” Ms. Wernicke has been a SCOE employee since 2014.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Emily Berger, CARE Teacher, was nominated by Juvenile Court and Community Schools Director Chris Aland for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Berger serves 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in the CARE (Community Action for Responsive Education) intervention program operated by SCOE at Sutter Middle School in Folsom. Her main focus is the delivery of English language arts, mathematics and study skills curriculum to students who are working to overcome poor academic performance. Beyond her competency in teaching the curriculum, Ms. Berger works diligently to build positive relationships with her students to help them find success. She evaluates students’ abilities and deficiencies and adjusts instructional techniques accordingly, gaining the interest and respect of her students. Her supervisor says, “Ms. Berger is to be commended for her positive interactions with students as well as with staff of the regular school campus. Because of her efforts, our CARE students are achieving and thriving through increased attendance, interest, and participation.” Ms. Berger has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since 2015.