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 November Employees of the Month!
Virginia Johnson
Birmingham City Schools, AL
Virginia Johnson was nominated two times this month by colleagues from Tuggle Elementary School, who all praised her for going above and beyond to help students.
Britney Woods, Reading Coach, wrote: “Mrs. Johnson is a dedicated, intelligent, and highly respected instructional aide passionate about helping students reach their fullest potential. Mrs. Johnson collaborates and works with teachers, coaches, and support staff daily to ensure students have what they deserve, which is a safe learning environment.”
Andrea Norman-Calhoun, Instructional Aid, wrote: “Mrs. Johnson is a hard worker and is very passionate about my students. She goes above and beyond to help all my students. She’s always on time and comes in ready to work.”
Kate Northern
Blytheville School District, AR
Kate Northern was nominated seven times this month by colleagues from Blytheville Middle School, who all praised her for being dependable and always having a positive attitude.
Shayla Benson, Principal, wrote: “I am pleased to nominate Ms. Kate Northern for Employee of the Month for her outstanding contributions to our school community. Ms. Northern consistently demonstrates exceptional commitment, adaptability, and a positive attitude that significantly impacts students and staff.
Ms. Northern goes above and beyond in every classroom she supports to ensure a smooth learning environment. Her attention to detail, ability to connect with students, and dedication to maintaining instructional continuity have made her an invaluable asset to our school. Ms. Northern also displays excellent communication and classroom management skills, creating a welcoming space for students to thrive, even when their regular teacher is unavailable.
Ms. Northern’s professionalism and reliability make her a role model among her peers, and her contributions truly enhance our school’s atmosphere. She embodies the qualities of a Substitute of the Month, and I strongly believe her dedication deserves to be recognized. Thank you for considering Ms. Kate Northern for this well-deserved honor.”
Lena Pierce, School Counselor, wrote: “Ms. Northern is a long-term sub that we have who can be utilized in any and every capacity. She always comes to work with a smile on her face. Ms. Northern is kind to students and staff and never complains. Ms. Northern is a wonderful person to work with and helps ensure that our school is always taken care of and runs smoothly.”
Tonya Osagie, Science teacher, wrote: “She is exceptional because kids are always first. Whatever we need her to do, she steps up to the plate without complaints and gets it done.”
Erica Fisher, Welcome Center, wrote: “Ms. Northern is truly a blessing to our school.”
Lucretia Cooper, SPED teacher, wrote: “Ms. Northern is very professional. She goes above and beyond her duties inside and outside the classrooms. Ms. Northern has relationships with most of the students on our campus. She is very much respected!”
Susie O’ Neal, ELA teacher, wrote: “I nominate Kate Northern as Employee of the Month because she consistently brings a positive attitude and exceptional dedication to our school community. Her ability to connect with students and create a welcoming environment enhances everyone’s learning experience. Kate is always prepared, adapting quickly to different classroom dynamics, and her approachable nature fosters open communication and collaboration.”
Torya Woods, Science teacher, wrote: “Ms. Northern is an asset to our work environment because she is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is dependable and always shows up for our scholars. She decorates, plans events, substitute teaches in classrooms, and does anything needed. We really appreciate her hard work and continued strength to impact our school environment.”
Linda Henderson
Santa Rosa County Schools, FL
Linda Henderson was nominated nine times this month by colleagues from East Milton Elementary School, who all praised her for being knowledgeable and flexible. Linda Henderson was recently awarded Substitute Teacher of the Year for Santa Rosa County Schools.
Brie Flanagan, teacher, wrote: “She is reliable and knowledgeable; the kids love having her as a substitute teacher! She gets the job done. I know that if I leave work for the kids to complete, it gets done. She also creates positive relationships with the kids and teachers.”
Josh Shelton, teacher, wrote: “My students love it when Mrs. Henderson is their substitute teacher. She actually can and will teach whatever content we leave for the class. She is also gentle yet firm with the students.”
Debra Ann Adkins, ESE teacher, wrote: “She has been an essential part of East Milton Elementary School.”
Heather Heuvelink, teacher, wrote: “Linda is so positive and organized. Her classroom management is spot-on, and East Milton Elementary School staff love her!”
Leslie Richards, Interventionist, wrote: “Mrs. Henderson is very knowledgeable and flexible when it comes to any situation. She is fair with each student and knows how to reach each student’s needs.”
Whitney Kries, ESE teacher, wrote: “Linda is constantly subbing for many teachers at my school and does so with a smile. Linda rolls with the punches and can easily manage the classrooms that she substitute teaches for. She can make anything work! She is greatly appreciated!”
Terri Stewart, teacher, wrote: “Mrs. Henderson does an excellent job as a substitute teacher in my classroom. She follows the lesson plans, ensures the kids know what to do, and gets them where they need to be.”
Mikaela K. Gross, teacher, wrote: “Linda is a very reliable substitute teacher. You can depend on her to keep your students safe and fed and go home the correct way each time she subs, but she also makes sure that whatever you leave for her to do with your kids gets accomplished. She is very organized and leaves detailed notes about how her time with your students went while you were out.”
Heather Garcia, wrote: “
Aidynn France
Bartlesville Public Schools, OK
Aidynn was nominated two times this month by colleagues from Wilson Elementary School, who all praised him for going above and beyond to ensure every day counts for their students.
Kourtney Kelley, fifth-grade teacher, wrote: “He is an outstanding substitute teacher. The kids love him and respect him. He has been a lifesaver for us at Wilson Elementary School. Not only that, but he goes above and beyond. He loves subbing and has a passion for it, and that shows!”
Rachel Stockton, fifth-grade teacher, wrote: “Aidynn France subbed for me three days last week when I was very sick. He was reliable and responsible. My students liked him, and he was able to keep them under control. My teaching team said he was a great substitute teacher to have around, and we all agreed we would be asking him to sub for us in the future. I appreciate that I know my kids are in good hands when Mr. France subs for me.”