At ESS, the nation’s leading K-12 substitute teacher management solution, we believe a great workplace is built on strong relationships, opportunities to grow, having a voice, and knowing that the work you do has a meaningful purpose. When people feel respected, supported, and empowered to succeed, they can do their best work.
That’s why we’re proud to announce that ESS has been named a 2026 Knoxville Top Workplace by Knox News.
This recognition is especially meaningful because Top Workplace honors are based on feedback from the people who know our organization best: our employees.
A Workplace Shaped by Our People
The 2026 Knoxville Top Workplace recognition was based on a confidential employee survey conducted by Energage, an organization that specializes in measuring workplace culture and employee experience.
Employees shared feedback about their experience at ESS, including areas such as workplace culture, leadership, support, communication, empowerment, and opportunities for growth.
That feedback gives us something more valuable than a trophy or title. It gives us insight into what our people value and what makes them proud to be part of ESS. And we’re listening.
More Than a Job, It’s a Shared Mission
Education is a people-powered industry. Every day, educators and school support professionals step into schools ready to help students learn, grow, and succeed. Behind them is a team working to make sure they have the support, resources, and opportunities they need.
At ESS, that shared mission connects employees across the organization.
Our substitute teachers and paraprofessionals make an impact directly in schools. Recruiters help bring talented people into the ESS family. Coordinators and account teams support employees and school partners. Trainers help prepare team members for success. And corporate teams work behind the scenes to keep everything moving forward.
Different roles. One mission.
When people understand how their work contributes to something bigger, it creates a workplace where purpose and collaboration go hand in hand.
Why Employee Feedback Matters
A workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident. Everyday interactions, opportunities to grow, collaboration, and listening to employees all help shape our workplace culture. That’s why we place so much value on employee feedback.
Being recognized as a Top Workplace gives us the opportunity to celebrate what our team has built while also challenging us to keep improving.
Because a strong workplace isn’t something you achieve once and check off a list. It’s something you continue building.
Knoxville Is Part of the Story
Receiving this recognition in Knoxville is an exciting reflection of the people who represent ESS in the community.
Our team members bring the ESS mission to life through the work they do with schools, educators, students, and one another. Their dedication helps strengthen the communities we serve and contributes to the culture we’re proud to have as an organization.
We’re grateful to be part of a community that values education and the people who make a difference in students’ lives.
A Recognition Worth Sharing
Being named a 2026 Knoxville Top Workplace is an achievement we’re proud to celebrate, but the real recognition belongs to the people behind it.
To every ESS team member who contributes their ideas, supports a colleague, shows up for a school, helps a student, or finds another way to make a difference, thank you.
Our people make ESS a top workplace every day. The award simply recognizes the culture they create through their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to one another.
Making an Impact in Knoxville
As an organization with one of our main offices located in Knoxville, we value this recognition even more because it comes from the local community. We’re grateful for our partnership with Knox County Schools and the opportunity to support the students, educators, and school communities across the district. Knoxville is an important part of who we are, and we’re proud to be part of this community.
Join the ESS Team
Interested in making a difference in your local schools? ESS is currently hiring substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school support staff in districts across Tennessee and nationwide. If you’re looking for flexible work with community impact, we’d love to have you join our team. Visit ESS.com to explore opportunities near you and apply today.