Substitute Educator of the Year Awards
Recognizing substitute educators who make a notable impact and keep students learning.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners!
Honoring our substitute educators.
We are beyond grateful for our educators and support staff who work each day to create a better future for the students we serve.
To express our gratitude, Kelly Education and our school district partners come together each year to recognize the outstanding contributions that our employees bring to our nation's schools and students.
We recognize that creating a solid education experience goes beyond the walls of a classroom. It is an entire academic experience, and each of our education employees makes important contribution.
To honor this important, our annual Substitute Educator of the Year program recognizes amazing individuals who are making a difference in substitute teacher and paraeducator roles.
Making a profound impact.
Kelly Education believes in supporting exceptional substitute teachers and paraeducators. Our annual Substitute Educator of the Year program is just one way we do it.
Awarded
to winners in 2026Donated
to schools in 2026Educators
nominated in 2026About the award program.
Kelly Education partners with school districts to recognize substitute educators who truly stand out, are making a notable impact, and keep students learning.
School faculty in our partner districts nominate outstanding Kelly employees by providing two thoughtful recommendation letters and a video that showcases the ways in which our educators go above and beyond.
Substitute Educator of the Year Categories:
- Substitute Teacher
- Paraeducator
Examples of Excellence:
- Exceeding their daily professional responsibilities.
- Demonstrating outstanding teaching methods that result in significant student progress.
- Tailoring teaching approaches to meet the needs of students.
- Employing creative techniques to keep students engaged and motivated.
- Boosting students' self-confidence and encouraging a positive attitude towards learning.
- Going above and beyond to support students' academic and personal growth.
- Demonstrating patience and perseverance when working with students.
- Maintaining a positive and enthusiastic demeanor that encourages a love of learning.
- Following lessons plans, leaving good notes, and deploying strong classroom management techniques.
One winner in the Substitute Teacher and Paraeducator categories will receive a $5,000 bonus, plus an additional $1,500 to donate to the school of their choice within a school district they are servicing.
Additionally, one runner-up in each category will each receive a $1,000 bonus, plus an additional $500 to donate to the school of their choice within a school district they are servicing.
Our award program coincides with the Kelly Pediatric Therapy®, formerly known as Pediatric Therapeutic Services, Provider of the Year program that honors the outstanding work of substitute teachers and paraeducators.
Nominations closed March 20, 2026.
Winners for both programs will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week: May 4-8, 2026.