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 Employees of the Month!
Brandon Defoor
Murray County Schools, GA
Branson Defoor was nominated twice this month by colleagues from Northwest Elementary School, who praised him for his hard work.
Amy Petty, Principal, who wrote: “Branson is always willing to help out. He works hard with the students and has created a positive learning environment in the classroom. He truly works hard and cares about his job.”
Tommie Brown, Executive Secretary & Bookkeeper, who wrote: “Branson has been a long term sub for us since December. He took a second-grade class that was quite difficult and corrected the situation to make the classroom a successful learning environment for the students. He is faithful when coming to work and has a pleasant demeanor that is very important when relating to his young students and the staff.”
Elias Lilue Goyo
Hillsboro School District, OR
Elias Lilue Goyo was nominated by Mayra Aguilar, Office Manager at Quatama Elementary, who wrote: “I would like to nominate Elias Lilue Goyo for recognition due to his outstanding dedication and work ethic. He consistently arrives on time and stays until the very end of his shift, demonstrating reliability and commitment. His flexibility and willingness to assist wherever needed make him an invaluable asset to our team. Beyond his dependability, Elias is always respectful, follows any given schedule professionally, and maintains a positive attitude no matter the task. His strong work ethic, adaptability, and team-oriented mindset make a difference daily. We are fortunate to have someone like him who takes pride in his work and supports the team in every way possible!”
Kaylee Gillen
Hatboro-Horsham School District, PA
Kaylee Gillen was nominated by Dennis Williams, Principal at Hatboro-Horsham High School, who wrote: “It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Kaylee Gillen for the ESS Employee of the Month award. As a dedicated building substitute at Hatboro-Horsham High School, Kaylee has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to her students and colleagues. Since her arrival, her unwavering professionalism, adaptability, and positive attitude have made her an invaluable asset to our school community.
Each day, Kaylee arrives ready to take on new challenges and step into any classroom with confidence and enthusiasm. Whether covering teacher absences or assisting with meeting coverages, she approaches each assignment with professionalism and a genuine passion for education. She greets students with a warm smile, sets clear expectations, and fosters a positive learning environment where students feel supported and engaged. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff and students alike is a testament to her effectiveness and the meaningful connections she has built within our school.
What truly sets Kaylee apart is her willingness to go above and beyond. She actively seeks opportunities to support students and staff beyond her assigned duties. Whether checking in on classrooms that need extra support or stepping in to assist in our autistic support and life skills classrooms (where additional hands are often needed), Kaylee does so with a selfless spirit. Her ability to adapt to any classroom setting and her natural ability to engage students have made her one of the most requested substitutes by our teachers. Kaylee’s dedication, reliability, and positive presence make her highly deserving of this recognition. She embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator and team member, and I wholeheartedly support her nomination for this well-earned honor.”
Timothy Eisenhart
Alpine School District, UT
Timothy Eisenhart was nominated by Kristol Webb, Front Office Secretary at Lehi High School, who wrote: “I am writing to formally nominate Tim Eisenhart, for the Substitute Employee of the Month award. Tim Eisenart has consistently demonstrated dedication, hard work, and an outstanding attitude, making him a highly deserving candidate for this recognition. Tim has gone above and beyond in his role as a substitute teacher by seamlessly stepping into the team when needed, showing exceptional flexibility and professionalism. His ability to understand the scope of the work and efficiently complete tasks has been incredibly valuable. In addition to his technical skills, Tim has also displayed exceptional interpersonal skills, building positive relationships with colleagues. His enthusiasm and proactive approach have made a lasting impression on everyone he has worked with. I am confident that Tim is an exemplary representative of what this award stands for and would be a well-deserved recipient. His commitment to excellence and ability to step into challenging situations with a positive attitude embody the spirit of Employee of the Month.”