Recognizing San Diego County Classified School Employees
For decades, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has recognized classified school employees from across the region for their commitment to providing safe, enriching environments for our students. Every year, classified employees representing all 42 county districts are invited to apply for San Diego County Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY).
More information for next year's County-level application process will be shared as it becomes available. Are you a school or district professional who would like to join the update list? Please fill out your information here.
If you are a parent interested in nominating a school employee, please contact your school's principal or other local school administrator.
If you have questions about the Classified School Employee of the Year nomination or application process, please reach out to Kristen Amicone.
Late February - Early March (Date TBA based on CDE application release date): County Classified School Employee of the Year Application Due : Submit application documents by filling out this form.
March/April: Announcement of county winner(s)
April: CDE announces state winners
Nomination Documents
Download and submit both application documents by filling out this form.
Please note: a 60-second video is now a required component of the application, per CDE guidelines. You will include a public link to the video with the Nominator Documentation.
Eligibility Criteria (as determined by the CDE)
Be a current classified school employee of a California public school (preschool through grade 12), including charter schools, school districts, and county offices of education
Be a rank and file employee, not in a management or supervisory position
Have a minimum of five years of service in nomination occupational specialty, with no minimum full-time equivalent
Be named as a finalist in their local district competition
Performance Areas
Work performance
School and community involvement
Leadership and commitment
Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee's exemplary work)
Any other areas (the school deems exceptional and pertinent to the CSEY Award)
*Timeline is dependent on the CDE's timing and is therefore subject to change.
Three outstanding employees were selected this year to represent San Diego County as Classified School Employees of the Year. The honorees highlight the wide variety of skills that classified school employees bring to school sites, representing health and student services, paraprofessional services, and custodial and maintenance services.
Learn more about them below. They will now compete to be 2024 California State Classified Employees of the Year.
Lamis Abousalem, English Language Learner Instructional Assistant, Poway Unified School District
Lamis Abousalem has been a pillar of Bernardo Heights’ English Learner program for the last eight years. She provides unconditional love and emotional support for her students. She cares deeply for them and is beloved by students and their families. Abousalem is a trusted adult on campus, bringing to her position her own background and lived experience of being from another country and still having close family overseas. The students know she can relate and can understand some of their hardships. Abousalem believes that each student has a unique story, and it is incredibly meaningful to learn that story and gain the trust of the student. Once that trust is established, the learning can begin!
Araceli Brambila, Student Transition Technician, San Diego County Office of Education
For more than two decades, Araceli Brambila has supported the academic and personal development of students across the county as part of Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS), which are operated by the San Diego County Office of Education. Brambila started at SDCOE in 1998 as a teacher’s assistant and has also been a community clerical assistant and student support specialist. For the last 10 years, she has worked as a student transition technician. She is also a graduate of the JCCS program. Brambila builds meaningful relationships with students as well as families, community partners, and co-workers. She has helped students across the county with essential life skills.
Miguel Velasquez, Custodial/Groundskeeper, Escondido Union High School District
Miguel Velasquez ensures Valley High School is in pristine condition for students, staff, and all who visit every day. Colleagues share that he seems to always know what is needed before staff even ask. They also say he has a great work ethic, takes pride in his work, and loves what he does. He has been with the district for more than 12 years. Students have started calling him tio, uncle in Spanish, as a sign of respect. On top of being a person of service, and completely giving himself to his work, Miguel does everything with a smile and kindness.
