Each month, our partner school districts submit glowing reviews of our employees, from which we select four employees of the month. We’re pleased to recognize our honorees from May 2021!
Selena Gervais
Leander ISD, TX
Selena was nominated by AP Administrative Assistant June Tepfer, who wrote: “Selena has subbed for us here at Henry Middle School for the past four years I’ve worked in this position. This school year we asked her if she would take on a long-term assignment for our lead teacher. This position lasted until the end of December and she did a fabulous job stepping in and making connections with the students – even in this crazy year of Zoom classrooms.
We then asked if she would be interested in another long-term position for our computer APPS class. This unexpectantly turned into a job that lasted for the rest of the school year. The teacher she was filling in for also was in charge of the school yearbook, which Selena took on without hesitation. She has been coordinating with the students, making edits, asking for help when she needs it, and overseeing everything. Selena never complained about the extra work. She took it on and did it with a smile and grace.
I nominated Selena because she has gone above and beyond in her role. She is always on time and never hesitates to help cover other classes during her conference periods. If she sees I need help covering classes, she’ll text me right away. Thank you for considering Selena for this recognition.”
Angela Newell
Decatur School District, AR
Angela was nominated by Decatur Northside Elementary School Principal Cary Stamps, who wrote: “Angela has been a very valuable substitute this school year. She works in every capacity we ask of her – from our Pre-K classes through 4th grade. She works as a teacher, instructional aide, and even in our special education classrooms. She adjusts her personal schedule to accommodate our needs and learns quickly which makes her very flexible to meet our needs. My teachers frequently request her by name. Angela went as far as to give me her personal cell number so I can contact with her in case of a last-minute absence. I can’t say enough about her positive attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to serve our students.”
Nick Napp
Waterbury Public Schools, CT
Nick was nominated by Carrington Elementary School Principal Karen Renna, who wrote: “Nick has done an amazing job as one of our substitute teachers. He has prepared lessons whenever necessary for students, and is very tech-savvy helping with Google Classroom. He always goes above and beyond and is willing to do whatever is asked of him. This school year, he hasn’t been absent one day. Nick has a great rapport with the staff and students. I wish there were more substitute teachers like Nick. He is dedicated and truly cares about the students.”
Haneefah Mitchell
South Orange Maplewood Schools, NJ
Haneefah was nominated by South Mountain Kindergarten Teacher Nancy Sabato, who wrote: “I am a kindergarten teacher at South Mountain Elementary School and am so happy to have Ms. Mitchell working with me as our class paraprofessional. Her amazing work ethic and friendly, positive attitude are so valued every day. Ms. Mitchell is always thinking ahead and helping out, and she works patiently and diligently with the students in our class. These wonderful qualities are also noticed by many others at our school!
In particular, when I needed to take a personal day two weeks ago, Ms. Mitchell did an extraordinary job helping the substitute teacher that day. It involved getting all students logged into their laptops (the students are kindergarteners, so this isn’t an easy task!), and facilitating remote instruction for the whole day (another complicated task, with 5-year-olds!).
When I came in the next day, our school nurse and another teacher stopped me right away to tell me they noticed what an amazing job Ms. Mitchell did. Nurse Wills was so impressed, she thought our principal, Mr. Mason, should know as well!“