SOLANO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) has selected a teacher and a classified staff team member to represent SCOE in this year’s countywide Educators of the Year awards program. SCOE’s nominee selection committee chose two employees who work passionately to contribute to student achievement, educational innovation, and advance community involvement in schools. SCOE’s teacher of the year is Ron Major, and SCOE’s classified employee of the year is Shelia Vogel.

SCOE hosts the annual Solano County Educators of the Year (EOY) awards each year. In 1978, SCOE began recognizing exemplary teachers, and now the program has expanded to recognize outstanding teachers and classified school employees for Solano school districts and charter schools. Each Solano district or independent charter school can select two employees to represent their organizations in the countywide Educator of the Year program. One educator from each category will then be selected to represent Solano County at the state level. 

The Educators of the Year program is designed to reflect the rich diversity of Solano County’s school employees, while paying tribute to Solano’s teaching force, the growing complexity of challenges that confront our schools and the need to promote collaboration and teamwork among educators to meet those challenges.

“SCOE is extremely fortunate to have so many incredible certificated and classified employees who exemplify leadership and deliver essential support to our students, their families, and schools. Congratulations and appreciation to Ron and Shelia for their dedication to educating our youth!” said Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella"Henderson.

Major is a teacher at the Golden Hills Education Center in Vacaville. He serves on the school site council and leadership team, providing his unique insight and expertise toward improving student experiences. Ron is known for going above and beyond for his students, and on occasion has provided groceries and clothing for students in need. Ron is a problem solver and a dynamic, friendly, equity-focused teacher who carefully designs his lessons to meet the needs and challenges of all his students.

Vogel is a college and career development specialist for SCOE. She provides support, encouragement, employment preparation, and job placement for students attending SCOE’s Adult Program and the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School. Shelia respects the goals and desires of the youth and adults she serves and champions their successes with enthusiasm and heart. Amid the COVID restrictions, she was adamant about virtual small group/individual meetings to stay connected with her students.

Major and Vogel will represent SCOE in the annual Solano County Educators of the Year (EOY) celebration, along with other EOY representatives from across Solano County. The Solano County teacher and classified employee of the year will move forward to participate in the California teacher and classified employee of the year programs. The Solano County awardees will be announced during the virtual EOY celebration on April 27, 2021, at 3:30PM. 

For more information about the Educators of the Year Program please contact Ken Scarberry, director of youth development, at [email protected]

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) provides leadership, support, and fiscal oversight for charter schools and Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield-Suisun, Travis, Vacaville, and Vallejo school districts which serve approximately 63,000 students. Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson is elected by voters of Solano County. The Superintendent is a state constitutional officer who serves as the chief executive officer of SCOE and as a liaison between local school districts and the state.