Each month, our partner school districts submit glowing reviews of our employees, from which we select four employees of the month. We’re pleased to recognize our honorees from April 2024!
Wendy Davis
Rogers Public Schools, AR
Wendy Davis was nominated twice this month by colleagues from Elmwood Middle School, who had such wonderful things to say about her dependability and dedication.
Sarah Easterling, Teacher, wrote: “Wendy Davis does an exceptional job subbing. She also follows sub plans and keeps the students appropriately engaged. Wendy is also flexible in managing her time and rolling with the inevitable changes throughout the school day. She works well in a co-teach classroom in supporting the lead teacher. Not only has Wendy been a great asset to my classroom and my co-teacher, but I have heard several other teachers discussing how impressed they have been with her handling their rooms and observing her with other classes. She is dependable, trustworthy, and always pleasant. We love having Wendy in our classes and our building.”
Candice Duncan, Teacher, wrote: “I am writing to wholeheartedly nominate Wendy for the ‘Best Substitute Teacher.’ Wendy has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to our school and our students. Her dedication, reliability, and genuine care for our students’ well-being and education make her stand out among her peers.
Wendy’s reliability is unmatched. Whenever she steps into a classroom, we can trust that she will execute lesson plans impeccably. Her ability to seamlessly follow instructions ensures that learning continues uninterrupted when the classroom teacher is out. Wendy approaches each assignment enthusiastically and professionally, ensuring that the educational goals set forth by the teacher are met and often exceeded. She works with students and is hands-on. I can leave actual work and not busy work and return ready to keep pace with my students.
One of Wendy’s most admirable qualities is her unwavering trustworthiness. She understands the responsibility of being a substitute teacher and consistently upholds the highest standards of integrity. I can always count on her.
Moreover, Wendy has a remarkable ability to connect with students. Her warm demeanor, approachability, and genuine interest in their well-being create a supportive and positive classroom environment. The students’ respect and affection for Wendy are evident in their eagerness to learn and enthusiastic participation in classroom activities under her guidance.
In conclusion, Wendy embodies the qualities of an outstanding substitute teacher: reliability, trustworthiness, and a genuine commitment to the well-being and education of our students. Her contributions to our school community are invaluable, and she truly deserves recognition as the best substitute teacher. I wholeheartedly endorse her nomination for this well-deserved honor.”
Gina Franklin
Santa Rosa County Schools, FL
Gina Franklin was nominated by Nadia Colin, Principal at East Milton Elementary School, who wrote: “East Milton Elementary would like to recognize and thank Ms. Gina Franklin, ESS Substitute, for being such a dedicated long-term sub for one of our pre-k classes. Ms. Gina has been faithful and has shown up in a special needs pre-k classroom every day from January until the end of April for a long-term position. This class can be challenging and often needs help gaining return substitutes. This was not the case with Mrs. Gina. As soon as she began working in the classroom, she was all in and gave 100%. Not only does she work hard and love the children, but she always has a smile on her face. She did not miss one day or call in sick. Ms. Fisher’s pre-k class will greatly miss Ms. Gina. Thank you, Ms. Gina, for loving our East Milton Elementary School family as you do. Once a roadrunner, always a roadrunner!”
Samya Clayton
Lafayette County School District, MS
Samya Clayton was nominated twice this month by colleagues from Lafayette County School District.
Glenn Kitchens, Principal at Lafayette Elementary School, wrote: “Ms. Clayton is substituting for a maternity leave. It is unusual to find someone with such a high skill level for a long-term commitment. Ms. Clayton is punctual, pleasant, and performs all assigned duties with integrity. She goes the extra mile even though she is a substitute. If we have a special themed day, such as Read Across America, she always dresses the part and see that her students get the benefit of the day as if she were their regular teacher. This is just one example of Ms. Clayton demonstrating that she is ‘Anchored to Excellence!’ She is one of the best.”
Voncille Miller, Bookkeeper at Oxford-Lafayette School of Applied Technology, wrote, “Samya Clayton is an exceptional substitute. She is always on time and extremely good with her students.”
Janna Gillard
Hamilton County Schools, TN
Janna Gillard was nominated twice this month by colleagues from Washington Alternative Learning Center, who had wonderful things to say about her phenomenal support and willingness to step in.
Joshua Smith, School Social Worker, wrote: “Ms. Gillard is a wonderful addition to the Washington Alternative Learning Center! She engages very well with our students and staff. She takes on front office duties, covers classrooms in the absence of our teachers, runs quick errands, and ensures everyone in the building signs birthday and anniversary cards. I don’t know what we would do without someone as dedicated to our students as she is. Her support is phenomenal, and we greatly appreciate all she does for the Washington Alternative Learning Center. I’ve enjoyed getting to know her and working alongside her to support our students.”
Marquita Thomas, School Counselor, wrote: “Ms. Gillard is a real asset to the Washington Alternative Learning Center. She is always willing to help in any way she can—no matter the need. It is often difficult to find substitutes who are willing to substitute in the alternative setting, but Ms. Gillard will step into whatever situation she is needed in. She is friendly to the students and works to develop positive relationships with everyone.”
Congratulations and keep up the excellent work!