SDCOE’s Classified Employee of the Year Leads with Compassion

SDCOE’s Classified School Employee of the Year, Amanda Bates, has built a reputation at North County Academy (NCA) as a dedicated and influential behavioral support professional.

For nearly two decades, she has been a stabilizing force for students with the most intensive behavioral and emotional needs, offering a combination of skill, patience, and compassion that colleagues describe as “life‑changing.”

Not one for the spotlight, Bates said she was surprised by the recognition. 

“I just think every kid should have a caring adult in their corner as a mentor and a support they can lean on,” she explained. “I always say we’re planting seeds at NCA. We may not ever see the flower, tree, or plant, but we know the support we’re giving our students does stick with them.”

In her role as lead special education classroom behavioral intervention aide, Bates works closely with students who require highly specialized mental and behavioral support. Colleagues say she brings a trauma‑informed perspective to every interaction, always seeing the whole child behind the behavior. 

“Amanda leads with compassion, professionalism, and deep commitment to our most vulnerable students, including those in and out of the foster care system,” said Evi Medina, NCA administrative assistant. “Her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering passion embody the values of SDCOE and its North Star.

NCA School Psychologist Mary Barnett noted that Bates meets students with patience, dignity, and unwavering compassion, describing moments when she purchased pajamas for a student so they could participate in Pajama Day or brought Lego bricks to help a child coping with profound loss begin to build trust again.

“Amanda never turns away from a need and inspires our school to strive for excellence,” Barnett said. 

Bates’ impact extends beyond the classroom. She serves as a leader in the school’s positive behavioral interventions and supports program, managing data entry and analysis and helping guide decisions that shape schoolwide systems. She is also a certified trainer in crisis prevention and intervention, ensuring staff are equipped with safe, relationship‑based strategies for supporting students during crises. Her attention to detail and commitment to consistency led her to create the “Players Handbook,” a teamwork-based resource that provides staff with clear expectations, guidance, and consistency in practice.

Her colleagues say that while her title doesn’t reflect it, Bates is one of the school’s valued leaders. She mentors staff, conducts one‑on‑one check‑ins with behavioral aides, and plays a key role on multiple school committees. 

Bates is also deeply involved in the broader community. She has volunteered with Promises2Kids, Camp Connect, and assists students preparing for college and career through the JR Guardian Scholar Program. She has also volunteered with the county mentor program for foster youth through Youth Court at the Escondido Education Compact. She is often the force behind NCA’s family‑focused events, such as Back‑to‑School Night and Parent Night, ensuring families feel welcome and informed.

While Bates is known for her quiet demeanor, the influence she has had on students, families, and colleagues is impactful. Her blend of professionalism, empathy, and dedication has made her an anchor for the school community and a model for what compassionate educational support can look like.

“I love my job,” Bates said honestly. “It’s never the same. I definitely don’t get bored.”