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 September 2021!
Asusena Garcia
Abilene Independent School District, TX
Asusena was nominated by Abilene ISD Paraprofessional Jennifer Chavez, who wrote: “Ms. Garcia is just amazing. Not only do the kids love and respect her, but other teachers do as well. She takes great care of each child in the classes she subs for and helps out teachers around campus who may need it.
Ms. Garcia has been subbing in our district for a couple of years now and is so comfortable on campus and with the kids. She’s one of our ‘go-to’ substitutes for long-term positions because teachers know she can handle their classes and continue the flow of learning. We of course want her for short-term assignments but she is always booked in advance. She’s just a great substitute to have on campus, and it’s always fun for our kids to see her once they move up to the elementary level.”
Lori Knoll
Millington Municipal Schools, TN
Lori was nominated by 3rd Grade Teacher Audrey Archer, who wrote: “Mrs. Knoll took over my classroom for a week while I cared for and lost my grandmother who raised me. Mrs. Knoll took excellent care of my students and classroom while I was out. She ensured things stayed on track, and I even had assignments to put in the grade book when I returned. Mrs. Knoll was kind, organized, and a great help to me in my time of grief and heartache. I will never be able to repay her for taking my spot when I was unable to do so.“
Yancey Valdez
Reynolds School District, OR
Yancey was nominated by Multnomah Learning Academy K-8 Operations/Finance Manager Andrea Waldbillig, who wrote: “Love him! He is amazing as a substitute teacher but is even more special as a music substitute teacher. It’s not often we can find a musically-inclined substitute to cover our music classes.
Yancey showed up to his first assignment a few minutes early – ready to go with his instruments in hand. He asked all the right questions to prepare himself for success and was quick to settle in and prepare for his first class. I heard from some of the teachers how great he was, especially in Kindergarten. They loved his control of the room and how he kept the young students interested while having fun with them.”
Sierra Bowen
Pickens County Schools, GA
Sierra was nominated by Special Education Teacher Dawn Kelley, who wrote: “Sierra Bowen has stepped into a subbing position in my special education classroom and has done an outstanding job! Most substitute teachers don’t even want to be in my room – let alone continue for an extended period of time, but Ms. Bowen has done so and earned the respect of my students. She has been a huge help to me in this period of transition in my class.
Ms. Bowens has a great deal of patience and the with-it-ness that are both necessary in a special education setting, especially in a behavior classroom. She is also strong in several academic areas and is able to lead students through lessons. I would love to see this remarkable young woman receive this honor.”