Behind the scenes: When substitute teachers go above and beyond

The recent awards for substitute educators Esther Yardumian-Smyth and Celia Effrig show that recognizing everyday heroes isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about seeing the quiet power of persistence. While full-time teachers often get the spotlight, these two winners prove that substitute roles can be just as transformative. Esther, who returned from retirement to teach high-need subjects, treats every 50-minute commute as preparation time, treating it like a pre-flight checklist before meeting students. Her approach isn’t just about covering for absent teachers—it’s about reigniting her own spark for education through new challenges.Celia’s journey started by accident. A former after-school program worker, she stumbled into paraeducating after graduating, only to discover a role where consistency matters more than credentials. Unlike educators tied to one classroom, she’s built relationships with the same group for years, documenting their growth like a scrapbook of small victories. Her students remember her not for lessons but for the reminder that hard tasks are manageable—no superpowers required. The award expansion this year also highlights how much the system relies on these often-unsung workers. By giving tokens like prize money to schools (not just winners), the program acknowledges that substitutes don’t work alone—they’re part of a bigger network of district partners who also deserve credit. Newcomers like Utah’s Trina Kohler and New Jersey’s Keshaun Henry show that mentoring matters across all levels, proving excellence isn’t limited to veteran educators.