The first full week of March is designated as Classified Employee Appreciation Week. At Clackamas ESD alone, we have more than 60 types of classified jobs. These are people who touch every corner of our agency’s work and the districts we support, from providing hands-on help to teachers, children and families, to filling endless behind-the-scenes roles to keep buildings and teams safe, cared for and high-functioning.
This Classified Employee Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting five of our more than 260 classified staff members and contractors, to provide a peek into the diverse ways this large group of employees lives our mission of service. We appreciate our entire classified team and the meaningful work they do.
Diana Jimenez is a preschool specialist in Clackamas Education Service District’s migrant education program, where she helps young children from migrant families overcome the unique challenges they face on the road to academic success. Frequent moves following work in agriculture, language barriers, and limited access to educational resources can create significant obstacles, but through personalized support, Diana helps children from migrant families build a strong foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Diana brings lessons in early literacy, math and social emotional skills to the homes of her migrant families. By assessing each child’s strengths, areas for growth and interests, she crafts lessons that resonate with them. For example, she uses craft-based activities for children who like to draw or movement-based lessons that incorporate gross motor skills for “kids who learn best through movement.”
Delivering her lessons in both English and Spanish, Diana reinforces the importance of maintaining bilingual skills.
“I want my students to feel encouraged and proud of learning and speaking both languages,” Diana says.
In addition to in-home lessons, Diana regularly visits her students’ preschool classrooms to provide one-on-one support, helping them navigate classroom activities and develop critical social emotional skills. For children not yet enrolled in preschool, Diana works with their families to help find an affordable preschool program in their community. She often assists in the enrollment process to ensure children have access to the preschool programs that will set them up for success.
Building strong, supportive relationships with her students’ families is at the heart of Diana’s work. She partners with the parents, offering educational resources, helping to bridge any language gaps, and ensuring that parents have the tools they need to support their child’s learning at home and reinforce school-based lessons.
“My job is so special because I’m making these connections with my students, but also their families,” Diana shares. “I am honored to be welcomed into their homes.”
Diana’s work goes beyond academics. She helps build connections between families, schools and their new community. Many families face challenges navigating the education system due to language barriers or unfamiliarity with local processes. Diana serves as an invaluable guide, often accompanying families to kindergarten registration events to help them feel more comfortable and confident.
“At first, families are hesitant to ask for help, but over time, they begin to reach out,” Diana reflects. “I’m happy when they call me at 8 p.m. on a Sunday because I know they thought of me when they needed someone to help.”
Diana also helps families access resources ranging from food assistance to cultural events. Recently, she partnered with Lakewood Center for the Arts to get her families free tickets to a play, giving them access to an enriching experience they might otherwise miss.
“A lot of our families work long hours and struggle to find time or resources for community activities,” she says. “Being able to offer opportunities like VIP tickets to a play is huge. It’s a way for families to enjoy something special together, outside of their everyday routines.”
As a first-generation Mexican-American who grew up in Molalla, Diana understands the struggles migrant families face firsthand. She’s particularly attuned to the challenges faced by families during these times of heightened attention to immigration status.
“I know what it’s like to be a part of a community that works so hard and sacrifices so much for their families,” she says. “Being able to give back to this community and help these families navigate systems that aren’t always accessible or fair is incredibly important to me.”
