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 September 2025 Employees of the Month!
Susan Ford
Phoenix Union High School District, AZ
Susan Ford was nominated by Evelyn Gonzales, Assistant to the Principal at Bioscience High School, who wrote: “Susan Ford has been an amazing asset to Bioscience High School. She has been our campus’s long-term sub since 2023 after retiring at another campus within our district. Last school year, she stood in the gap to cover for a teacher who was on leave. She took her time and resources to provide a Statistics curriculum for these students. This school year, she took up the slack again, filling in as our Health and Fitness teacher. She pulled resources to teach 9th-grade students. Our students and staff love her very much. She has helped me and other office staff with making copies and putting away office supplies. She has even helped fold and count fitness uniforms to store. We appreciate her support!!!”
Brenda Montero
Consolidated School District of New Britain, CT
Brenda Montero was nominated by Gina Cavallo, Principal at Lincoln Elementary, who wrote: “Brenda Montero is an invaluable member of our Lincoln School community. She is flexible, dependable, and always willing to do what is best for both our students and our school. Brenda consistently goes above and beyond in her role, ensuring that students feel supported and engaged. Her impact is clear. Our students absolutely love her.
One student recently shared, ‘She is the best guest teacher I have ever had.’ This sentiment reflects the positive relationships Brenda builds and the respect she earns from our school community. Brenda is dedicated, consistent, and thorough in everything she does. She communicates effectively with staff and students alike, making her a true pleasure to work with. We are fortunate to have her as part of the Lincoln School family, and she is truly deserving of this award.”
Kandiss Dockstader
Craven County Schools, NC
Kandiss Dockstader was nominated by Kristin Colley, bookkeeper at Trent Park Elementary School, who wrote: “Kandiss has done a great job in our EC adaptive classroom as our long-term substitute teacher. She has hard days and still remains positive. She stops by on her days off to make sure the other subs are set for the day with lesson plans. She volunteers to attend meetings and stays for events even though she will not get paid. She is amazing, understands what it’s like to be in that classroom, and shows a willingness to learn more about the kids. Mrs. D never gives up on these kids and never quits after just one day. If only we had more subs like her to help our students. Mrs. D deserves recognition from ESS just like she gets from us. Thank you!”
Betty Harrell
Blount County Schools, TN
Betty Harrell was nominated three times this month by colleagues from Union Grove Middle School, who praised her for going above and beyond.
Tracey Strickland, secretary, who wrote: “Betty Harrell stands out as an exceptional middle school substitute teacher because of her rare ability to combine professionalism, adaptability, and genuine care for students. Middle school can be one of the most challenging environments for a substitute, yet Betty consistently earns respect from students and staff.
Students respond positively to her clear expectations, calm demeanor, and consistent fairness. Betty creates a safe, welcoming atmosphere that keeps students engaged and motivated.
What truly sets Betty apart is her commitment to student success and her willingness to go above and beyond. Her reliability and professionalism make her a trusted member of the school community.”
Carolyn Ierulli, social health teacher, who wrote: “Betty Harrell is an amazing substitute! She is extremely reliable and has great control in the classroom! I have been teaching for 46 years, and I can tell you with confidence that Betty is the best of the best!!”
Lynette Murphy secretary, who wrote: “Betty Harrell goes above and beyond in every way as a substitute teacher for Blount County Schools! Betty is professional and friendly, organized and reliable, and is respected by faculty and students. She arrives early and always goes out of her way to be helpful. Betty is a valuable asset to Union Grove Middle School. Her dedication to helping our great profession is greatly appreciated!”