12/09/2020 -
Name:
Jenn Guerrero
Years at SCOE:
This is my ninth year at SCOE
Job Title:
English Learner Program Coordinator
TALLK Project Coordinator
Region 1 Title III English Learner Specialist
How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
I work with schools to help them support students who are learning English. This support can include anything from effective instruction, programming, state and federal compliance, and much more. I am very passionate about the work I do and feel incredibly privileged to serve the children and families of Sonoma County.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles- like a total Valley girl! While LA will always hold a special place in my heart, Sonoma County is my home and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why?
Ms. Nehen was my third grade teacher and she was just amazing. She was fun and quirky and made learning a joyous experience. To this day I still vividly remember the clawfoot bathtub filled with pillows she had in her classroom that we could use to read in or work quietly.
What is your favorite thing about SCOE?
I feel extremely proud to work for an organization that is so deeply committed to equity and serving all students.
What is one of your most memorable moments as a SCOE employee?
Every year, SCOE collaborates with Migrant Education to host the English Learner/Migrant Parent Leadership Institute. It’s an incredible learning experience for parents that is completely free and conducted entirely in Spanish. The day is filled with pertinent information and resources for parents to use. Every year almost 200 parents carve time out of their personal and professional lives to attend this event, and the energy in the room is palpable. A couple years ago, with the help of my wonderful ESS colleagues, we brought in a multitude of hands-on STEAM experiences for the parents to take part in. I will never forget the joy, smiles, and laughter that filled the room that day.
Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
You can almost always find me exploring one of our county’s beautiful Regional Parks. Every year our family purchases a parks pass and we use it to spend our weekends out in nature.
What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
When I went to Sonoma State I loved hiking at Crane Creek Regional Park. When my husband and I got married he joined me and now we visit the park regularly with our two young children. The rolling hills and gorgeous Oak trees make it a place of peace and calm for me.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
Music is an integral part of life and always has been. I love all genres and it’s rubbing off on my kids. You can find them singing anything from Waylon Jennings, to Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Raffi, and Mark Anthony. It makes for some very fun family car rides!
