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 October 2025 Employees of the Month!
Rosemarie Tishler
Bartlesville Public Schools, OK
Rosemarie Tishler was nominated twice this month by colleagues at Wayside Elementary School, who praised her for her classroom rapport and attention to detail.
Melissa Bonham, fifth-grade teacher, wrote: “Rose has been a long-term substitute at Wayside and has done a wonderful job. She is very dependable and does a great job following lesson plans. She is a retired teacher and very knowledgeable about the content, which is one of the things that makes her so easy to work with. Rose has strong classroom management and a good rapport with the students. I love how she follows up with detailed notes about the students and how the day went.”
Lindsay Jones, fourth-grade teacher wrote: “Rose Tishler has gone above and beyond when subbing for our district and school. She takes time to learn about the students and the school’s routines. The kids enjoy being with her. Rose will grade students’ papers and make sure the classrooms look clean and ready for the next day for the classroom teacher. Teachers in our building trust Rose to be in her classroom because they know she will get the job done. She was my maternity leave long-term sub in March-May of 2024 and did a fantastic job. I had all my trust in her and knew she would get the job done and continue their education. Rose is an amazing and trustworthy substitute, and I hope you consider her!”
Jessica Wilson
Spartanburg District Five, SC
Jessica Wilson was nominated five times this month by colleagues from Florence Chapel Middle School, who praised her for her level of care and her interactions with students.
Stephanie McCullough, teacher, wrote: “Jessica is always willing to help out anyway she can. She loves working with all of the students and bringing positivity to the school! She is so much more than just an adult there to supervise. Jessica actually does her best to implement the lesson that was left behind. Students know she cares about them, so they are always willing to listen to her.”
Kristie Davis-Cox, Librarian, wrote: “You will never find a better substitute than Jessica Wilson. She cares deeply for the children, and safety is paramount for her. When a child knows they are cared about and safe, learning can occur. The teachers, students, and administrators trust her immensely. She is requested way beyond the days she can work. I feel extremely lucky when I get her as my substitute. My life is better because I know her and see her interact with the students. This honor would be much deserved if she were to receive this.”
Josh Kay, Principal, wrote: “Jessica is super positive, involved deeply in our school and with our students. During a recent club day, she dressed up as an anime character and brought treats from home for the students to watch a movie together. She is absolutely amazing!”
Kevin Foster, teacher’s assistant, wrote: “Excellent substitute who is willing to step in and cover any role in the middle school. Dependable and considerate of others need for breaks throughout the work day.”
Keyaisha Wade, teacher’s assistant, wrote: “I proudly nominate Jessica for Employee of the Month because she brings heart, patience, and professionalism into every classroom she enters. She is not only incredibly friendly and approachable to both students and staff, but she also has a natural gift for connecting with all learners, especially those in our SPED (Special Education) classrooms. Her ability to adapt, engage, and uplift students with diverse needs sets her apart in a truly special way.
She is a familiar and respected face across our school, known for her reliability, positive attitude, and genuine care for each student’s success. Teachers trust her, students love her, and our school community is better because of her. Whether she’s stepping in for a day or covering a longer absence, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure learning never stops and every child feels seen and supported.”
Alicia Love
Hampton City Schools, VA
Alicia Love was nominated twice this month by a colleague from Moton Early Childhood Center, who praised her for going above and beyond.
Mallory Hinshaw, Coordinator for Early Childhood Education, wrote: “Ms. Love comes to work every day with a smile on her face, no matter how hard the task is that we give her. She jumps in and is a valuable asset to our team. She is our building-based substitute, and I am so glad she is with us. Ms. Love knows students by name and is so kind and caring with them. She is wonderful!”
Sylvia Moore, Secretary, wrote: “Alicia Love has been and is an outstanding employee. Always professional. Moves with grace. Anything that is asked of her, she does it without an ounce of complaining. Her commitment to the staff and students here at Moton Early Childhood Center is unmatched. She communicates well in advance when it comes to her needing to arrive late or leave early and even having to be absent. She offers and gives Moton EXCELLENT service EACH and EVERYDAY and we appreciate her dedicated service. The students LOVE her. Thank you, Ms. Love, for your outstanding service, compassion, and commitment to early childhood education. Your contributions make a profound difference every day.”
Allen Adams
Stoughton Area School District, WI
Allen Adams was nominated by Cassie Jemilo, Principal at Stoughton High School, who wrote: “I want to take a moment to thank and recognize Mr. Allen’s incredible response to the medical emergency we experienced recently. When encountering a student in the middle of a medical emergency, you didn’t hesitate. He immediately jumped in, assessed what was happening, and made sure the student was taken care of. In those scary, uncertain moments, you were exactly the calm, capable presence that the student needed.
What really stood out to me and others who witnessed your response was how you stayed with the student, reassuring him throughout. That kind of compassion in a crisis makes all the difference. You helped turn what could have been a traumatic experience into one where the student felt cared for and safe.
When EMS arrived, you provided them with such a clear, complete report that they specifically mentioned how helpful it was. They passed along your observations to the hospital staff, and that level of detail can be crucial for proper treatment. You gave that student the best possible chance for good care.
Mr. Adams, you showed the kind of heart and quick thinking that make someone not just a good teacher, but an exceptional human being. Our student is fortunate that you were there. Our school is fortunate that you were there.
Thank you for your response during this medical event. You made us proud, and you made a real difference when it mattered most.”