Clark honored as October Employee of the Month

It is with pleasure that we honor Lisa Clark, Content Coordinator in English/Language Arts/English Language Development/History/Social Studies, in the Curriculum and Instruction department, as the October 2018 Employee of the Month.

Knowledgeable, committed, inspirational and rock star – these are just some of the words Lisa’s department uses to describe her. In just five short years, Lisa has put the service of the ELA/ELD/History team on the map not only in Fresno County school districts, but across the state as a California Department of Education Trainer of Trainers for the new English Language Proficiency Assessments for California. She has devoted countless hours to hone her craft and lead teachers across the Valley in designing and implementing guided reading programs, English Learner instructional services and comprehensive literacy systems in their schools.

“Lisa is a treasure and ambassador for the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools as an educator who makes a difference,” said Pamela McGee, department director.

Lisa’s model lessons in K-5 classrooms have become the stuff of legend. At a moment’s request from a teacher she steps in, designing effective instruction on the spot for that teacher’s students, using the materials at hand and the teacher’s stated needs as her tools. Lisa is the most requested coach on the team.

As first a team leader, then at the regional and now the state level, Lisa has served on the ELA/ELD Statewide Textbook Adoption Committee, the ELD Instructional practices State Sub-Committee and now as a statewide trainer of ELPAC. She seeks to build capacity with her colleagues and she truly has a servant’s heart, sacrificing many long hours to help both herself and others better serve the needs of the most vulnerable students in early grades and as English Learners.

“There’s nothing like watching a student learn how to read,” said Lisa. “To watch that and be part of the process is the biggest reward in the world.”