EDCOE Team Member Spotlight - Victoria Tyler, Instructional Assistant, Special Services

09:52 AM - June 03, 2021

Briefly describe your background (where you grew up, family, why you came to work for EDCOE).

I was born in Placerville at the Sanatorium in 1956. I am the fourth generation of six to live in Grizzly Flats. My great grandparents Emma and Carl Miller came from Nebraska in 1910, they homesteaded and acquired the 160-acre Zollars homestead. They had my grandmother Helen when Emma was in her early 40s in 1918. Carl returned to Nebraska while Emma raised my grandmother alone working any job she could to make her ranch very prosperous. The ranch is still in the family. In 1935 Helen married Floyd Tyler, they continued to live on the homestead raising four children. My grandparents were a pivotal part of bringing utilities and paved roads to our community. My father was Helen and Floyd’s first child, Walter. My father met my mother when they were teens in the 1950’s. They married in 1955 and started their family of three children on their 40 acres in Grizzly Flats. My father started his first career at the Department of Corrections Folsom moving to several different facilities throughout California, all the while coming back to Grizzly Flats to sell Christmas trees for 50 years. Dad had to retire due to health problems, so he went back to college earning several degrees in Special Education, then began his teaching career at EDCOE. Prior to working at EDCOE, I was a bus driver for El Dorado Union High School district for eight years. My EDCOE career began in 1989 as an Instructional Assistant in the Behavioral Intervention Program for eight years with my father. I was then transferred to Gold Oak for 6 years then to Tunnel Street Adult program for 14 years.

What is your department, title, and how long have you worked for EDCOE?

I work in Special Services as an Instructional Assistant, currently working with Middle School Special needs students at the Winnie Wakeley site under Laura Smith.

Describe how your role helps support programs/schools/students directly or indirectly.

I have developed unique skills that have been enhanced over the last 30 years that enable me to recognize and adjust to each student's individual needs.

What are you and your team doing to support education during COVID-19?

COVID-19 has presented its difficulties and challenges for everyone, although it has given us opportunities to learn new technology, assist the teacher in Google Classroom and Zoom meetings.

What do you most appreciate about your department/team?

My co-workers have been very supportive and helpful. We share genuine professional and caring relationships. I have loved being able to help teach students and staff throughout the years.

What is your proudest moment at EDCOE? Why?

The graduations at Tunnel Street were the highlights of my career, seeing the results of the fruits of our work on the final days of graduation.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I am an avid crocheter, making blankets and hats. No one around me will ever have a cold head. I like to garden, take little trips with my best friend Kaye and spend as much time as I can with my Mom.

What is something many people may not know about you?

This year I am planning to retire, move in with my Mom and help care for her and learn to quilt.

If you could meet anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

If I could have one wish to meet someone it would be my son Jason. He passed away 30 years ago and I miss him everyday. I have so much I want to share with him.

From supervisor, Laura Smith, Teacher, Special Services:

Vicky's heart has been dedicated to her classrooms, her students, and staff for the past 30 years. She has taught so many her wisdom, courage, and enthusiasm for the students and her job. Vicky is all of our "classroom momma," and her presence missing from the classroom will be felt by all when she retires. We are excited to celebrate with her and look forward to hearing about her new adventures and her enjoyment of the things that she loves.

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