MEMBER FOCUS
Classified School Employee of the Year
Seven members named Classified School Employees of the Year
Each year, hundreds of nominations are submitted for consideration as Classified Employee of the Year.
The highest honor given by the state of California to classified employees, CSEY winners are those whose service and dedication go beyond the norm. This year, five members were named Classified School Employee of the Year recipients for K-12 schools and two received the award for community colleges at May ceremonies in Sacramento.
“They represent our pride in knowing our efforts help our colleagues do their jobs, and help our students explore their world,” Association President Adam Weinberger said. “They represent the dignity of hard work done in service of our communities. And they represent the promise of public education, which is to give every student the opportunity and skills they need to succeed.”
Community Colleges
Yvette Garcia – Administrative Assistant, Mt. San Antonio College, Mt. San Antonio College Chapter 262
Yvette Garcia is a fervent advocate for equity and has shown unwavering commitment to equitable student outcomes during her tenure as an administrative assistant for more than seven years at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC). Yvette’s tenure in the technical services department at Mt. SAC exemplifies a pinnacle of professional excellence and high standards of job performance, particularly in serving their diverse student population.
“This award is truly appreciated and motivates me to keep striving for excellence,” Garcia said.
Anissa Mitchell – Student Success and Equity Coordinator, Barstow College, Barstow College Chapter 176
Anissa Mitchell is a product of the community college system and committed to expanding the goals of equitable access, success and support for all historically disadvantaged students, families and communities within the surrounding rural towns that Barstow Community College serves.
In acknowledging her support network, Mitchell thanked her family and CSEA siblings for their roles in helping her towards such a milestone achievement.
“This moment is huge for me but it’s not mine alone,” Mitchell said. “It’s a testament to the mosaic of love, support, and collective aspiration that life has blessed me with.”
During her five-year tenure as a student success and equity coordinator, her ambitions in re-engineering the student experience and providing equitable access for all is testament to her leadership. She has engaged in numerous fundraisers and community events while working to change perceptions and eliminate stereotypes.
K-12
Jason Cheeseman - Utility Person, North Elementary School, Tracy Chapter 98
Jason Cheeseman values always giving beyond his best effort. Jason has worked in many classified roles, including irrigation work, food service, custodial, security, school bus driver, and now as a utility person at North Elementary, which is his favorite role to date. The North Elementary team knows Jason as a leader in their community who is down-to-earth and approachable. Students love him for his fun attitude and his great high-fives. Jason says the students are one of the favorite parts of his job, and he is often seen helping students sort their food in the cafeteria. Jason explained that “because I have been with the district for 12 years now and I have seen the kids graduate high school and seeing them when in 4th or 5th grade and they are driving a car now…it's rewarding."
Jason is indispensable, committed to student safety and always making sure students and staff have the necessary supplies and support.
Joshua Crotts – Instructional Materials Coordinator, Twin Rivers Unified School District, Twin Rivers Unified Chapter 1717
Joshua Crotts is an Instructional Materials Coordinator. Having attended elementary, middle and high school through Twin Rivers Unified, Joshua feels grateful and sentimental about being honored and able to serve his community. While most typically think of transportation services as school bus drivers, Joshua transports the instructional materials for all the students, helping to build up a department over his 13 years of service. The systems he has created allow thousands of materials to be delivered smoothly, something Joshua is proud of today. Joshua is described as an avid learner, problem solver, and dependable for support.
“I am proud of all our accomplishments,” Joshua says. “I am grateful for all the teams and being able to serve the students, to the community, making a difference, everything we do really for the students, that's what matters.”
Isaiah Joiner – School Security, Mesa View Middle School, Yucaipa-Calimesa Chapter 209
Isaiah Joiner says he does what he does every day because “I love it!”, and is described by his coworkers as having a big smile for all his students, and as someone who goes above and beyond as a dedicated school security member.
Invested in all aspects of the school community beyond safety, Isaiah enjoys interacting with the students by giving advice, coaching athletic events and promoting a positive experience for everyone. His colleagues laud him as an exemplary member of their team, creating a safe and supportive environment for students in our often-uncertain world.
“I just enjoy being at the school and being there to help out,” Isaiah said. “Anything I can do to help a teacher, help a student, it feels good.” He is thankful for his coworkers, noting that he doesn’t work alone and represents a whole team of support at the school and district.
Aries Lewis – Community Liaison, Green Valley and Oak View High Schools, Yuciapa-Calimesa Chapter 209
Aries Lewis is known for her ability to make positive connections with students, families and the community. Aries says the impact she has on students is the foremost reason she loves being a classified employee.
Whether it be connecting students to community resources including a Clothing Closet, toiletries, and gas cards, or participating in Trunk or Treat and Community Night Out, Aries is unwavering in her efforts to support her students. Aries aspires to be like the classified staff she remembers from her high school years.
“When I was in school, I remember the way that the classified staff at school cared for us,” she said. “They were always kind and remembered our names, remembered what we liked. You know, now being a classified staff myself, it really makes me reflect on what I can do to connect with my students.”
All these connections have allowed her to gain students’ trust and be a dedicated ally and advocate.
Sara Sanchez – Paraeducator, Green Hills Elementary School, Millbrae Chapter 561
Sara Sanchez believes in Green Hills Elementary’s mantra to be “kind, respect, and responsible.”
She knows that she is crucial to teaching students this mantra. Sara teaches her students to “be kind, be patient. We’re all individuals that navigate the world at different paces and different levels, and we can make a difference.”
Sara knows she makes a difference in changing her students’ attitudes and their success. As a paraeducator working with students re-integrating into general education, she is an advocate who fosters a positive and inclusive environment. Sara is an expert at making connections with students and families alike, taking pride in getting students the resources and tools they need to thrive. One of her favorite memories, and favorite parts of being a classified employee, is seeing her students start to feel comfortable and participate with the larger student body as they advance in high school.
She says her role is fulfilling because of the support she provides students.
“It is such an important job that we have and responsibility to be able to teach and be with these children on a day-to-day basis.”
