At ESS, our strength lies in our phenomenal team, and we’re proud to recognize those who lead by example. Each month, our partner school districts submit glowing reviews of our employees, from which we select four employees of the month. We believe in celebrating the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our team members who go above and beyond in their roles. We are thrilled to recognize our October Employees of the Month!
Tracie Bramhall
New Milford Public Schools, CT
Tracie Bramhall was nominated by Kim Valzania, Secretary to the Principal at Northville Elementary School, who wrote: “I am nominating Mrs. Tracie Bramhall for Substitute Teacher of the Month because, in no uncertain terms, she’s simply a ROCK STAR. Mrs. Bramhall is respectful, courteous, on time, and willing to do whatever she is asked. This is her ‘brand’ (as the kids say). Tracie is a classroom teacher substitute and handles it as though she is already a seasoned teacher with many years under her belt! Here at Northville, she knows the ins and outs of the school day and has great relationships with the students, staff, and administration. In fact, we have asked Mrs. Bramhall to consider a building substitute position countless times and have extended a few long-term opportunities to her as they arise.
I have seen first-hand her ability to work with students. She is always willing to do more than required. She is also responsive to last-minute requests, and we are always so very grateful when Mrs. Bramhall agrees to come in. Tracie is simply a wonderfully kind person and an absolute asset whenever she picks up a shift (which is often) at NES. She exemplifies the qualities of the “perfect” substitute here, and she, in my opinion, represents ESS in a truly positive light. She deserves to be Employee of the Month for ESS.”
Paige MacArthur
East Windsor Regional School District, NJ
Paige MacArthur was nominated by Rosetta Brown, Assistant Principal at Hightstown High School, who wrote: “I am honored to nominate Paige MacArthur for the ESS Substitute of the Month award, as she exemplifies excellence in her role as a building-based substitute. Throughout her tenure, Paige has embraced her responsibilities. She has truly gone above and beyond, becoming an indispensable part of our HHS team and a role model for other ESS substitutes.
Paige embodies the essence of our RAM Pride and approaches each day with enthusiasm, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to supporting our students. One of her key roles is orienting daily ESS substitutes; she does this seamlessly. From the moment substitutes arrive, Paige greets them with a welcoming demeanor, ensures they are parked correctly, and provides them with a bathroom key, an HHS ID, and the teacher’s schedule for the day. It is paramount to her that every ESS substitute starts their day fully informed and prepared to teach our students.
But Paige’s dedication doesn’t stop there. After ensuring all substitutes are settled, she joins the other building-based subs to assist with student supervision in the auditorium, where students gather if their teacher is absent. Paige takes class attendance, ensures students are seated in their designated zones, and checks passes before allowing students into the auditorium after the bell rings. Her presence and attention to detail help maintain a smooth and orderly learning environment for our students. What truly sets Paige apart is her proactive and unwavering commitment to the school’s code of conduct. She doesn’t just fulfill her duties, she takes ownership of them! When no classes are in the auditorium, Paige takes the initiative to join our staff in monitoring hallways and bathrooms, ensuring that every corner of our building remains safe and conducive to learning. Her vigilance contributes significantly to maintaining a secure environment for students and staff.
Paige is always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues and administration, never hesitating to take on additional tasks and always doing so with a smile. Her ability to foresee and communicate potential issues effectively to her supervisor demonstrates her forward-thinking approach.
Her rapport with both students and staff is extraordinary. Paige has formed meaningful relationships with our students, earning their trust and respect while being a valued and respected team member. Her impact on our school community is immeasurable, and her contributions elevate the overall experience for everyone involved.”
Ethel Woodson
Terrell ISD, TX
Ethel Woodson’s nomination was submitted by Derrell Coleman, Chief of Staff and General Counsel for Terrell ISD, who shared the nomination from a staff member at Terrell High School. Ms. Woodson was recognized as a substitute of the month at the Board meeting on October 21st at 5:00.
“At Terrell High School, we were down a science team member and desperately needed help. Ms. Woodson has been the answer to many prayers. She joined our team as a permanent sub, took the content, and adapted it to be best for her students. She got her kids up to speed despite the students not having a teacher for the first several days of school. She takes a proactive role in the THS science team and advocates for the needs of her students by asking questions and getting clarifications, as well as fostering a positive learning community in her classroom. She is what is best for our kids at THS.”
Sydney Milatovich
Iron County School District , UT
Sydney Milatovich’s nomination was submitted by Austin Sumner, Account Manager for ESS in Utah, on behalf of an Iron County School District employee, who wrote: “Sydney Milatovich is one of our superhero substitute teachers who works for ESS in Utah. Recently, Sydney was in an accident that left her vehicle in rough shape. Knowing she had a substitute teaching job the next morning, Sydney purchased a bicycle, obtained a child carrier trailer for her 20-month-old, and made the early morning trek to her daughter’s daycare and South Elementary, a nearly 4-mile journey. Over the past couple of weeks, Sydney has made similar treks to her substitute teaching jobs at Cedar Middle School, East Elementary, and a few more at South Elementary. ‘I love my job. I love substitute teaching because I want to be a teacher. I did what I had to do,’ Sydney said when asked why she went the extra mile.”
Recently, Superintendent Dr. Lance Hatch presented Sydney with a value pin for the passionate engagement she demonstrates in her role as a substitute teacher. As for the non-functioning vehicle, Sydney shared an update that her battery was dead, the part was changed out, her front grill and bumper were back on, and it was running again and not overheating.