Jessie Storrs expected a group of students in her library the morning of April 28. She realized something special was in store when Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon stepped through the door, followed by her principal and an excited crowd of colleagues carrying balloons and hand-painted signs. The teacher quickly learned that she had been selected as the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) 2026 Teacher of the Year.
Affectionately known as “Ms. Storries,” Storrs is the Librarian Media Teacher at El Centro Jr./Sr. High School—the WASC-accredited Juvenile Court School Program located inside the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility. Sandwiched between a Sponge Bob literacy display and her “Mario Kart” stacked with books, the teacher posed for photos with her enthusiastic coworkers. She also received an arrangement of succulent plants grown by students in the Urban Oasis horticulture program at Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High school.
Recognized for her creativity and enthusiasm, the teacher provides a rich experience for SCOE students, making the library a fun and interactive place for them to visit. SCOE’s top teacher, who has worked for SCOE since 2022, was previously recognized as the October 2023 Classified Employee of the Month. Her innovative approach to teaching led her to develop a computer game about internet safety that ties into the educational technology curriculum. Her library is an inclusive, student-centered environment where she leverages social–emotional learning (SEL) techniques to help students develop healthy identities, manage emotions, and achieve goals. She also leads creative art projects. Students recently folded 1,000 paper cranes to acknowledge the school’s role in restorative work and designed a “positivi-tree” made of leaves emblazoned with encouraging messages from staff.
The Sacramento County Board of Education will formally recognize Storrs at an upcoming meeting, and she will be honored alongside teachers selected by other Sacramento County school districts at a celebration this August. Two of the teachers will be revealed as the Sacramento County Teachers of the Year for 2026, advancing to compete in the California Teachers of the Year program.
Juvenile Court School Program
Students at the Sacramento County Youth Detention Facility (Juvenile Hall) receive academic, technical, and elective instruction from Sacramento County Office of Education teachers. SCOE operates El Centro Jr./Sr. High School with support and supervision from the Sacramento County Probation Department.
Teacher of the Year Program for SCOE Schools
Since 1988, SCOE has celebrated its own teachers and the important work they do by selecting a SCOE Teacher of the Year. SCOE teachers are nominated by parents, staff, management, or peers. The nominees go through a selection process, answering written questions and being formally interviewed. Teachers report that this process helps them recognize their many accomplishments, coming away with a renewed sense of dedication and a reminder about why they entered the teaching profession. The SCOE winner is eligible to compete at the county level.