SAN JOSE, CA – If you missed the Livestream, the 2020 State of Education address is now available to view on the Santa Clara County Office of Education YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTC1A9VcCm8&feature=youtu.be. This is the third annual address made by County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan.
The video celebrates, develops, reinforces, and strengthens partnerships as well as illustrates the incredible impact of strategic initiatives and campaigns, and acknowledges the efforts of educators and staff and their impact on students. “Each year we pause to look back briefly to celebrate and then turn our sights forward to the courageous work ahead to promote equity, diversity, inclusion and partnership,” said Dr. Dewan.
Dr. Dewan also stated that “Santa Clara County is not immune from the teacher shortages that plague our nation and, in fact, faces unique challenges with the cost of living in our area. These shortages are particularly dire within the special education community that provides critical services to so many of our students who need us to provide our very best service. At the beginning of the current school year, in fact, many schools in Santa Clara County began the year without enough teachers.”
The video highlights the many campaigns and efforts to remedy the teacher shortage and other current issues facing education in Santa Clara County. The need is particularly great for Special Education teachers. To remedy the need, the SCCOE offers services such as the Earn One Add One credential program which helps candidates earn their special education teaching credential.
“Housing insecurity for students and staff present daily challenges that call on us to work together to find solutions. One of the many ways that we will continue to address this challenge is through partnerships and access to online resources such as the Santa Clara County Housing Resource booklet and the Educator Housing Resources page which can be found on our SCCOE website: https://www.sccoe.org/resources/teachers/Pages/housing.aspx.”
Dr. Dewan reminded audiences that shared partnerships and advocacy and keeping students first and foremost is the key to strengthening our education system.
“I look forward to what we will accomplish together on behalf of the students of Santa Clara County. Join me to lead the changes we want for all of our children in Santa Clara County, so all children thrive.”
The event is archived and available to view on YouTube.
Download the program (PDF)
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.