Kelly Education named Esther Yardumian-Smyth and Celia Effrig as the recipients of its annual Substitute Educator of the Year Award. The 2026 program marked the first time the organization formally recognized runner-up educators in each category to celebrate excellence within its workforce.
Award details and eligibility
The award winners each received a $5,000 bonus and a $1,500 donation to a school of their choice. To be eligible for the honor, nominees had to be actively employed with Kelly Education and recommended by school staff members who witnessed their impact.
Profile of Esther Yardumian-Smyth
Esther Yardumian-Smyth, a substitute teacher from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, serves at the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology in Myrtle Beach. With over 30 years of classroom experience, she returned to the classroom as a substitute following suggestions from her principal.
Profile of Celia Effrig
Celia Effrig, a paraeducator in Auburn, Alabama, was also recognized as a national winner. An Auburn University graduate, Effrig has worked as a paraeducator for three years, focusing on building bonds with students.
Recognition of runner-up educators
As part of the program's expansion, Kelly Education honored runner-up educators Trina Kohler, a substitute teacher with the Wasatch County School District in Utah, and Keshaun Henry, a paraeducator at Walter M. Schirra Elementary in New Jersey. These runner-up honorees received a $1,000 bonus and $500 for a school of their choice.
Statement on program expansion
Nicola Soares, President of Kelly Education, stated that the expansion was intended to show that excellence deserves to be celebrated at every level of the workforce.
