Classified school employees play an integral role in California’s public school system. Just like administrators and teachers, these educational employees are dedicated to creating learning environments that promote student success.
Classified school employees work in all aspects of education, from the classroom to the county office. They include instructional aides, custodians, cooks, mechanics, electricians, programmers, secretaries, accountants, bus drivers and everyone in between. Without them, the day-to-day operations of schools would simply not be possible.
The California Department of Education recognizes the invaluable contributions of these employees – more than 285,000 statewide – through its Classified School Employee of the Year program. The purpose of the program is to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of the state’s outstanding classified employees in six categories: child nutrition, maintenance and operations, office and technical, para-educator and instructional assistance, support services and security and transportation. Each year, the winners in each category are honored at a luncheon during Classified School Employee Week in May.
The CSEY program is modeled after many similar recognition programs for classified leaders already in place in districts throughout the state. For example, the William S. Hart Union HSD has an annual recognition program for its classified staff, who are selected by their colleagues. These folks are recognized at a luncheon, and their framed portraits are displayed in the administrative center for the year.
“These honorees were selected by their school or department for their outstanding service, hard work and commitment to the community, students and staff of our district,” said Terri Shiner, director of classified personnel at the Hart district. “Through their invaluable contributions and specialized services, they provide instructional, technical and administrative support, as well as a safe and healthy environment in which to work and learn.”
Many county offices of education also have recognition programs. Sacramento COE has a Classified Employee of the Month program, where staff members are honored at a Board of Education meeting. The employees are publicly introduced to the board, they receive a framed certificate, and have their picture taken with one of the board members for the Sacramento COE Web site. Most important, they get the opportunity to address the board and the general public to talk about themselves and their job, which is a great way for the school community to get to know these outstanding employees.
In addition, each Classified Employee of the Month, along with each Certificated Employee of the Month, retirees and other staff, are honored at the annual Employee Recognition Day. During the event, approximately 700 employees hear about plans for the upcoming program year, enjoy refreshments and visit informational displays presented by Sacramento COE programs. Employees receive door prizes that are contributed by area businesses, vendors, education supporters and even some fellow employees.
Sacramento County Superintendent Dave Gordon said recognition programs are important because they send the message that the hard work being performed is not only fundamental, but also highly regarded.
“Every day that our employees go to work is another day dedicated to helping the students achieve something,” he said. “All of our employees – teachers, para-educators, administrators, and support staff – play vital roles in serving students and families. If not for their exceptional effort, dedication and enthusiasm, we would not have achieved everything that we have.”
Gordon said it is important to recognize classified employees because they too are responsible for student success.
“They are the backbone of our organization,” he said. “It is important that agencies offering excellent service recognize the employees who, through their energy and effort, are providing it. Recognizing people for their good work sends a strong message throughout our organization that we value their contributions.
“People want to be and need to be respected and valued for the contributions that they make. Employee recognition is an acknowledgement of a person’s or team’s effort ... When employees and their work are valued, their satisfaction and productivity rises, and they are motivated to maintain or improve their good work.”
Nominees for the statewide Classified School Employee of the Year program for 2009 will be accepted by the CDE through March 13, with the winners announced in April. This year, Classified School Employees Week will be held May 17-23. For more information on the statewide CSEY program, visit www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cl/.