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 March 2026 Employees of the Month!
Jessica Lyons
Teaneck Public Schools, NJ
Jessica Lyons was nominated by Chanon McDuffie, Secretary at Theodora Smiley Lacey School, who wrote: “I would like to nominate Ms. Lyons for recognition due to her outstanding dedication, reliability, and commitment to supporting both students and staff. She consistently demonstrates a willingness to help wherever needed and is always the first to volunteer when extra support is required. Whether assisting in the classroom, helping colleagues, or stepping in during busy times, she truly goes the extra mile without hesitation.
Francina Dawson
Lexington School District Two, SC
Francina Dawson was nominated fourteen times this month by colleagues from R. H. Fulmer Middle School, who spoke of her willingness to help in any way she can.
Haley Christiansen, Mark Surratt, Bryant Stewart, and Angela Kodek wrote: “Mrs. Dawson consistently demonstrates a willingness to step in and assist wherever needed, without hesitation. At Fulmer Middle School, she has supported our school community in many capacities, including serving as a substitute teacher, testing monitor, and hall monitor, assisting with attendance collection for teachers who are absent, and helping Mrs. Price in the front office.”
Paul Agosin, Madison Sutherland, and Jensen Banner, wrote: “Mrs. Francina Dawson deserves to be recommended for consideration as an ESS Employee of the Month. Mrs. Dawson consistently demonstrates a willingness to step in and assist wherever needed, without hesitation. At Fulmer Middle School, she has supported our school community in many capacities, including serving as a substitute teacher, testing monitor, and hall monitor, assisting with attendance collection for teachers who are absent, and helping in the front office.
Rachel Caughman, School Librarian, wrote: “Mrs. Dawson is always a bright spot in the hallways, helping observe students during transitions, working in the main office, subbing in classrooms, and assisting with various tasks that come my way, too. She is helpful and always willing to be a support for others. You can depend on her.”
Maura McGill, Academic Support, wrote: “Mrs. Dawson is always ready to go the extra mile. She steps in without any hesitation and always has a smile on her face. There is no situation she cannot handle.”
Mary Davis, Speech-Language Pathologist, wrote: “Ms. Dawson is ever-present in our building and makes a meaningful difference in keeping our school safe. If she is not in a classroom, she is in the hallways during class changes, helping keep students moving along safely.
She greets staff members by name each day and takes initiative to support a wide range of needs across the building—whether that’s monitoring during standardized testing, clearing visitors for entry, filling in for absent teachers, and more. The list truly goes on.
She is just as much ‘the face of Fulmer’ as any of our permanent contracted staff and a fantastic addition to our Fulmer team.”
Angela Kodek, Teacher, wrote: “Ms. Dawson is not just a substitute, she is part of our school family. She is always out greeting students in the hall and is always going above and beyond her responsibilities. She also has a wonderful personality and disposition.”
Danielle Nesbit, ID Mild Teachers Assistant, wrote: “At Fulmer Middle School, she has supported our school community in many capacities, including serving as a substitute teacher, testing monitor, and hall monitor, assisting with attendance collection for teachers who are absent, and helping in the front office.”
Cindy Harper, Bookkeeper, wrote: “She is always in a cheerful mood, positive, and the kids adore her. She goes above and beyond for any needs we have at our school.”
Khadija Williams, Teacher’s Assistant, wrote: “She’s very caring and a hard worker.”
Diane Shipley
Blount County Schools, TN
Diane Shipley was nominated three times this month by colleagues from Montvale Elementary School, who spoke of the positivity she brings.
Olivia Arthur, Teacher, wrote: “Mrs. Shipley is so flexible and is wonderful with our students. She is never afraid to jump right in and is a huge help to our first grade team. She is so nice and caring.”
Kendall Wilson, Instructional Assistant, wrote: “She goes above and beyond for the students and the teachers! She has a wonderful attitude and is so kind. We know that when she is the sub, she has it all covered!”
Nichole McCord, Principal, wrote: “I would like to nominate Mrs. Diane Shipley for the incredible care, dedication, and positivity she brings to Montvale each day she walks through the doors. She consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and staff, and her presence makes a meaningful difference throughout the building.
What truly stands out is the genuine care she shows for every child. She takes the time to listen, encourage, and make students feel valued and supported. Whether she is helping a struggling student, stepping in wherever she is needed, or simply offering a kind word, she creates an environment where kids feel safe, respected, and important.
Her positive attitude is contagious. No matter how busy or challenging the day may be, she always has a smile on her face and a willingness to help. Students are so excited to see her, and the staff know they can count on her to step in and handle any situation with patience, kindness, and professionalism.
Please show Mrs. Shipley how thankful we are for her hard work at Montvale and for ESS!”
Lynette Varela
Denton ISD, TX
Lynette Varela was nominated five times this month by colleagues from Sandbrock Ranch Elementary, who spoke of her dedication and compassion.
LaKondra Batts, Teacher, wrote: “Lynette goes above and beyond every time. She is just as dedicated to her students as their actual teachers. When I have had hard times with students in my room, Lynette has even volunteered to assist me. She willingly participates in tasks that aren’t even mandatory for her and does them well. Lynette deserves the recognition and praise for every single day that she’s shown up.”
Sarah Stark, Teacher, wrote: “Mrs. Lynette Varela is close to completing a long-term sub position for one of our kindergarten teachers who is out on maternity leave. Mrs. Varela stepped in on day one, ready to assume all the responsibilities and roles a kindergarten teacher has to perform, and there are a lot of responsibilities. Mrs. Varela went above and beyond each and every day to make sure her class stayed on track with the lessons and skills the kids needed to acquire, she was supportive, encouraging and understanding of the children’s emotional needs at this age, she attended all team planning and staff meetings so she was in the loop, and she was helpful to the other kinder teachers in many ways. Mrs. Varela performed her role so well that you wouldn’t know she wasn’t a full-time teacher, and the students she worked with didn’t miss their teacher as much because of how well she did. I can’t say enough good things about Mrs. Varela! She was a godsend and a blessing to have these past 8-9 weeks, and she is so deserving of high praise and recognition for her job well done.”
Linsey Ross, Teacher, wrote: “She has been our long-term substitute in Kindergarten and has gone above and beyond for our kindergarteners every day!”
Michelle Burnett, Teacher, wrote: “She is about to complete her second long-term sub job at our school. She always has a positive attitude, even on our hardest days in Kindergarten. She has made a connection with not only our kindergarten team and students, but also the whole school. The students who got to know her while she subbed in the library love seeing her in the halls and around the school. I was a sub before I became a teacher, and I know how hard it is. She makes it look easy!”
Macie White, Teacher, wrote: “Lynette has been the most amazing addition to our team! She is a hardworking, dedicated, kind, and compassionate person. You would have thought she’d been a veteran teacher. She has put her heart and soul into her time as a long-term substitute! She has become my friend and someone I will miss seeing every day!”