With the 2015-2016 school year in the books, MHED is proud to announce our Substitute Teachers of the Year!
Each year, we survey secretaries, principals and teachers in each school district we work with, asking them to nominate a deserving substitute teacher. We review the nominations and a substitute teacher of the year is chosen for each district. And the winners are …
Judy Anderson – Bonner Springs-Edwardsville USD 204
“Judy is an incredible teacher. I know if I am absent, learning will continue without me in the classroom. She is very efficient and her expectations are high for every student. I completely trust that my students will be treated with respect when they are with her and I know that my kids will have a great day! She is a dream guest and definitely the finest substitute that is available!”
— Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Staff
Judy Anderson is a long time educator. She began her substitute teaching career after officially retiring from full-time teaching 9 years ago.
“I was not ready to stop working when I was able to retire, and subbing seemed like it would be — and has been — the perfect solution. I love the flexibility of being able to work whenever my schedule allows it,” Judy said.
One of Judy’s favorite things about substitute teaching is being able to have contact with over 1,000 students a year. No matter where she goes in the community, the students greet her and are happy to see her.
Brittney Geis – De Soto USD 232
“Brittney is wonderful! She is flexible and adjusts to meet the needs of my students. She has a calm presence and a beautiful smile. It can be challenging to find the right people to substitute in the Special Education world, but Brittney is a perfect fit! We are so fortunate to have her on our team!”
— Desoto Staff
Brittney began her teaching career teaching 7th and 8th grade science at Monticello Trails Middle School in the De Soto School District. After taking a break to raise her children, she was ready to be back in the classroom, joining MHED in 2014.
“I was excited at the opportunity to get back in the classroom for the same district that I left,” Brittney said. “I chose this route because it allowed for flexibility with my grade school age kids and also let me use my education and background at work again!”
Brittney’s favorite thing about substitute teaching is the variety. “Different plans, different kids, different activities every day! You never know what each day will bring”.
Bob Sailler – Eudora USD 491
“Bob is consistent, knowledgeable and follows plans left. He is an enthusiastic teacher who is always prepared. He is a joy for the students and loved by all!”
— Eudora Staff
This is Bob’s first year of substitute teaching. He retired last school year from the Eudora School District after 29 years of teaching 8th grade English. Bob also coached basketball, volleyball, and baseball during his tenure.
“My first substitute gig was two days of teaching Spanish, which is a language I don’t speak,” Bob said. “The students knew more than I, and they knew it, yet they were great! It helped that I had a good relationship with them. I also taught art, band, choir, journalism, and computer, among other subjects. It was an exciting challenge for me.”
Bob’s favorite class to teach this year was the Eudora High School Journalism/Yearbook class because he enjoyed reading all of the great publications the students created.
Erik Stafford – Hogan Preparatory Academy
“Mr. Stafford comes to our building whenever he is called upon. He comes in ready to work and the students love him! Erik is dedicated to the kids’ learning and he is the champion of substitutes!”
— Hogan Preparatory Academy
Erik Stafford is a native of Kansas City, MO. He attended Raytown South High School and then went onto Penn Valley Community College where he discovered history. While at Penn Valley, he worked part-time at the Boys and Girls Club of Kansas City, MO. Erik received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Central Missouri State University and his Master of Arts Degree in Business at Webster University in Kansas City, MO.
Erik joined MHED in December 2014. He has enjoyed working in all schools in Hogan Preparatory Academy.
“I really like when I see my students out in the community and they speak to me and tell their parents who I am,” Erik said. “My favorite grade levels are Middle School and High School and my favorite subjects to teach are History and Writing. I would love to take my students on a history tour of Kansas City!”
Susan Niedenthal – Lawrence USD497
“She is an experienced teacher; she is 100% reliable, consistent with management and discipline, follows-through with the lesson plans and adapts as needed. She goes above and beyond the role of a sub in our building and never sits still. When Susan is subbing elsewhere in the building, she will come by my room during plan time to see if I need any help! She truly cares about the students’ learning.”
— Lawrence Staff
Susan joined MHED in 2015 after retiring from 31 years of teaching with Lawrence Public Schools. Susan’s Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees are both in Early Childhood Education and her teaching experience includes 3 years at SAIS International School in Saudi Arabia teaching 6th grade, 7 years in Leavenworth at the Third Avenue School and Nettie Hartnett teaching 1st, 2nd, ½ combo, and 3rd grades, and 21 years at Deerfield in Lawrence teaching 3rd grade.
“What I enjoy most about subbing is being with children,” Susan said. “That is the part of teaching I didn’t want to give up when I retired. I also like being in different buildings and different grade levels. It keeps every day fresh and exciting.”
Ursula Jackson – Leavenworth USD 453
“She always does a great job! Ursula is familiar with how my classroom works and does a wonderful job managing and instructing my students. She is understanding of their needs and patient with them. Ursula also completes all content that I need covered, which makes it easy when I return.”
— Leavenworth Staff
Ursula began working with MHED in 2013. What she likes most about her subbing experiences is the variety.
“One of my favorite stories is going into a building thinking I was teaching Math that day and the next thing I know, I’m in the gym teaching PE! Here I was in my skirt, blouse and dress shoes teaching PE. Goes to show how flexible substitute teachers have to be,” Ursula said.
She also enjoys the long term assignments where she can build relationships with the students, staff and parents.
“I find that my experiences keep me growing and learning as well as the students I am teaching. “