Recognizing the contributions of those who have shaped the futures of Santa Clara County students.
Classified School Employee of the Year
California’s Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY) Program highlights the contributions of classified school employees who support the education of California’s more than six million public school students from preschool through grade twelve. The CSEY Program pays tribute to the tireless efforts of our outstanding classified school employees. Classified positions include management and non-teaching roles that support programs and educators in schools. From school bus drivers to cafeteria workers to instructional aides, these employees are the unsung heroes who play key roles in creating a school environment that contributes to the whole child by promoting student achievement, safety, and health.
Teacher Recognition Celebration
A Santa Clara County tradition for over 50 years, the
Teacher Recognition Celebration is the oldest and largest celebration of teachers in California and the most prestigious local award given to classroom teachers. Every fall, the Teacher Recognition Celebration honors the county's finest teachers, each selected by their respective school districts. The SCCOE celebrations are made possible with the generous support of community partners. #SCCStarTeachers
In 1985, the California Department of Education (CDE) established the California Distinguished Schools Program as a method for recognizing schools that demonstrate exemplary achievements. The program seeks to recognize schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance.
The California Green Ribbon Schools award leverages applications submitted for ED-GRS recognition to honor schools and districts for their environmental excellence. Awards for private schools are granted by the California Association of Private School Organizations. Learn more about the recognition on
CDE's Green Ribbon Schools Award Program web page.
The Civic Learning Award for public schools is co-sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. The CDE recognizes and values the important role of public schools in preparing students for participation in our democracy, and have a partnership to support civic education in California. The awards are designed to both celebrate successful efforts to engage students in civic learning and to identify successful models that can be replicated in other schools.
For over 40 years, the California School Boards Association Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards of education in school districts and county offices of education throughout California. Golden Bell Awards showcase the extensive range of educational programs and governance decisions that support these programs, addressing the evolving needs of students. Learn more about the
Golden Bell Awards on the CSBA Webpage.
To earn this designation, schools must undergo a thorough application process and host a site visit by middle grades experts. To maintain the designation, each school is re-evaluated every three years. The California Department of Education encourage schools to apply for 2025 recognition. For application instructions and more information on the program, please visit the
California League of Educators Schools to Watch web page.
Started in 2024, the MCDS Recognition Program identifies and recognizes outstanding community day school programs and creates a resource list of exemplary programs for school visitations and mentoring.
Community day schools are schools for students who have been expelled from school or who have had problems with attendance or behavior.
The MCDS Recognition Program is a partnership between the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus).
Model Continuation High Schools offer extensive support to at-risk youth by implementing outstanding teaching methods, flexible scheduling, and dedicated guidance and counseling services. These schools provide high school diploma programs for students who have not yet graduated, are mandated to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education.
Learn more about Continuation Education.
The Model SARB Recognition Program identifies and recognizes multi-tiered school attendance improvement programs at the district or county level. These programs focus on reducing the use of exclusionary school discipline practices of suspensions and expulsions and replacing them with prevention efforts and positive alternative means of correction.