Kelly Education: Employee Stories

Our substitute teachers, paraeducators, tutors, and support staff come from diverse walks of life. Some are former educators, others are professionals, retirees, or college students. Each one took a different path to begin working in our schools. Here are just a few of their inspiring stories.

Janet Brandon | Former Marketing Executive

After working many years in marketing communications, Janet Brandon felt like something was missing in her career. She then tried substitute teaching, working just one day a week. Twenty years later, she’s still at it and loves how substitute teaching is flexible and fulfilling!
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Lizbetty Ramos | Former Podiatrist 

Within less than a year of being in the United States as a Cuban immigrant, Lizbetty Ramos landed a substitute teaching job to help support her family. The role opened doors to other opportunities for her, and she feels gratified in her work with students.
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Claire Mayberry | Grad Student 

Claire Mayberry turned to middle and high school substitute teaching when she decided to go back to graduate school. She was drawn to the role because of its flexibility and freedom to choose her own work schedule.
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Nealie Diggs | Retired Business Owner 

After retirement and COVID, Nealie Diggs started teaching third grade as a substitute teacher to keep her active and engaged. Substitute teaching also blends well with her lifestyle as a retiree — she doesn’t have to work all week, and she gets to pick and choose her assignments.
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Niels Billund | Retired Nurse 

Niels Billund worked as a nurse for 35 years before turning to substitute teaching. He likes the variation, flexibility, and control he has over his schedule while also fulfilling his passion for teaching.
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Farshaun Pinkston | Former Construction Worker 

Farshaun Pinkston has been making a difference in students’ lives for more than 20 years as a substitute teacher. Substitute teaching is a great fit for him due to its flexibility. He also enjoys how rewarding it feels to make a difference in his students’ lives.
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Jeff Stark | Retired Teacher 

Jeff Stark taught Spanish for 38 years before becoming a substitute teacher, and he plans to teach for as long as he can. For Jeff, substitute teaching is a dream job as a retiree — he always has a choice in the days he works and the jobs he accepts.
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More employee stories ->