Employees

Congratulations to Our February Employees of the Month!

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 February 2026 Employees of the Month!

Mariah Johnson
Landmark Academy, MI

Mariah Johnson was nominated by Sabrina Briolat, Curriculum Director at Landmark Academy, who wrote: “Mariah goes above and beyond at our school.  She has built amazing relationships with our students and staff.  She understands, celebrates, and exhibits our school culture better than many seasoned staff.  She has taken the time to understand and use our Curriculum Maps.  She teaches each and every lesson to the Michigan State Standards and asks questions when she isn’t sure what is being asked of her through the standard.  I would love for Mariah to join the teaching profession, as I truly think she is such an asset to the profession and the students.  I cannot say enough about how amazing Mariah is and the work that she puts into her long-term substitute position.”

Sandra Berry
Ralls County R-II School District, MO

Sandra Berry was nominated by Sarah Simmons, teacher at Ralls County Elementary, who wrote: “I would love to nominate Sandi Berry for Employee of the Month. She is truly an incredible asset to our building, consistently going above and beyond what anyone would expect from a substitute. As a teacher, being away from your classroom can be stressful, but knowing she will be with your students brings a real sense of relief and peace of mind.

Sandi is always willing to step in wherever she is needed and works closely with our building administrator to support the needs of our school, even if that means changing plans or moving to a different classroom at the last minute. She approaches every assignment with flexibility, professionalism, and a genuine heart for students and staff.
 
Recently, while I was out, Sandi graded student work, so I didn’t return to a mountain of papers. She also  took the extra time to reteach important skills to students who needed additional support. That level of care and initiative is rare, and it shows how deeply she cares about student learning and teacher support.
 
Not everyone would go the extra mile the way Sandi does, but she does it every time. She makes our building stronger, supports teachers in meaningful ways, and most importantly, makes a positive difference in the lives of our students. We are so lucky to have her.”

Vicky Everett
Marshall County School District, MS

Vicky Everett was nominated by Rhonda Malone, Secretary at H. W. Byers High School, who wrote: “I would like to proudly nominate this outstanding employee for Employee of the Month. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, dedication, and a genuine commitment to excellence in everything she does. Her reliability and positive attitude make her a valuable asset to our team.

What truly sets her apart is her heart for others. She willingly volunteers her free time to support school events and initiatives without hesitation. In addition, she generously donates to students in need, showing compassion and a deep investment in their success and well-being.
Her dedication goes beyond her job description as she serves with integrity, kindness, and professionalism every single day. She represents the very best of what our organization stands for and is more than deserving of this recognition.”

Terrance Auster
Dayton Public Schools, OH

Terrance Auster was nominated by America Henson, Principal at Edwin Joel Brown Middle School, who wrote: “I would like to nominate Mr. Terrance Auster for ESS Employee of the Month. Since joining Edwin Joel Brown Middle School, Mr. Auster has made a strong and intentional effort to build meaningful relationships with our students and connect with families. He reaches out to families, communicates effectively, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting our school community.

Mr. Auster has fully integrated himself into the culture of Edwin Joel Brown by enforcing schoolwide expectations and holding students accountable in a fair and respectful manner. His consistency, professionalism, and willingness to do what is right for students have not gone unnoticed.
 
We have truly enjoyed having Mr. Auster as part of the EJ Brown family, and he continues to be a positive presence in our building.”


Congratulations to our February Employees of the Month!