SAN JOSE, CA – Each year, the Association of California Schools Administrators (ACSA) recognizes a select group of individuals for their significant contributions to education. The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) received the following Administrator of the Year Awards for Region 8:
Region 8 2017 Continuation/Educational Options Administrator of the Year:
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mary Ann Dewan
Dr. Dewan's nominators cite her as an integral part of the SCCOE programs that make a difference in student's lives. She has been an effective leader in establishing the Opportunity Youth Academy and collaborates with other educational and community organizations to promote programs focusing on student academic success. Also, she is an essential lead for the current strategic planning and organizational improvement effort designed to ensure that the SCCOE meets its goals of improving student equity and access to quality programs, service to districts, improving organizational efficiency and being a premier employer.
"Dr. Dewan is a shining example of life-long learning," said one of her nominators.
Region 8 2017 Technology Administrator of the Year:
Academic Technology Specialist, Karen Larson
Karen Larson provides training and support for educators throughout Santa Clara County. Her workshops include coding, 3-D Modeling, Google applications, and robotics, helping teachers find new ways to engage their students that are crucial for a 21st century education. Karen is also a critical developer of the SCCOE Badging Academies, a micro-credentialing initiative that allows teachers to continue their professional learning through independent, personalized online training.
"Karen is an outstanding member of the Technology Services Branch as an Academic Technology Specialist at the SCCOE," said her nominator.
Region 8 2017 Every Student Succeeding Award:
Jacqueline Rodriguez, Del Mar High School/SCCOE Special Education Program
The Every Student Succeeding (ESS) award honors students who have succeeded, against all the odds, and beyond expectations.
"Jacqueline has been a student in county programs since preschool and has always inspired her teachers and aides to figure out how to support her needs and aspirations," said Hillary Crissinger, SCCOE Ridder Park Post-Secondary Principal.
Lisa Ketchum, manager of the SCCOE Workforce Services, adds that Jacqueline "has overcome great adversity to succeed in school and life, surpassing all of her life expectancies and thriving."
Born with lymphatic malformations, a rare condition known to form large masses in her cheeks, tongue, chest and respiratory area, she cannot verbally communicate, is restricted to a liquid diet, uses hearing aids, and struggles with balance often falling.
Today, she is enrolled in general education A-G classes and competing on her school's junior varsity tennis team. The benefits of playing tennis are both physical and mental. Tennis teaches how to be a part of a team and has brought up her self-esteem and her confidence. Jacqueline has been encouraged by her special education site principals, the staff, her parents and peers to take leadership roles.
"She's a hard worker, and she's an inspiration to me and all of the other girls," says her coach, Tom Heckley.
Region 8 2017 Partners in Educational Excellence:
Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI)
The Partners in Educational Excellence Award is given annually to exemplary school-community partnership programs that promote effective educational performance, enhanced student achievement, and strong community involvement in educational quality.
Sharon Clark Kelleher is the founder of BAWSI Rollers, an adaptive sports program which helps girls with disabilities to play sports. BAWSI Rollers partners with the SCCOE allowing students to experience a variety of adapted sports, being part of a team, and learning life lessons from their volunteer coaches, who also serve as positive role models.
Clark Kelleher worked directly with Jaqueline Rodriguez, who practiced all summer, continuing to build on the skills and eventually made the junior varsity tennis team.
The Association of California Schools Administrators Region 8 award winners come from throughout Santa Clara County and will be awarded on May 12 at the Corinthian Event Center. These winners will also be entered into the statewide competition. Every region ESS winner will be acknowledged at the state level.
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