Substitute Teacher Story: Gulzar Pabani

Kelly Education is proud to highlight the work of our talented educators. 

Gulzar Pabani is the winner of our 2025 Educator of the Year award in the pre-K Substitute Teacher category. Ms. Pabani holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in English literature. She’s now a long-term substitute teacher for pre-K students with special needs at Dr. Phillips Elementary School within Orange County Public Schools in Florida. 

In this Q&A, Mrs. Pabani shares about her work as a substitute teacher.

Share your journey to becoming a substitute teacher. 

My passion for teaching began in India, where I was an educator before moving to the United States. After taking a break to raise my family, I returned to teaching when my children were older and embraced the role of a long-term substitute teacher for the past six years.  

I’ve been teaching in exceptional student education (ESE) classrooms for nearly four years. I enjoy that I am now teaching in the same school where my kids were students. I feel like I am making a difference in my community.  

What is most rewarding about your work? 

Working with ESE students is incredibly fulfilling. I not only work with the students, but also with their families. My students all have developmental delays; some are on the spectrum, many visit our speech or occupational therapists, and others have Down syndrome. Just seeing the pride in their faces and their parents’ faces as they grow and reach milestones is rewarding.  

Also, I like that the classroom is never quiet, and that unpredictability is part of the joy of teaching. Each student has unique needs that require different forms of support. 

Any advice for new substitute teachers?

I’d advise new substitute teachers to come prepared every day and give their best, regardless of the grade level or subject. Consistency is key in creating a safe environment where students feel comfortable, especially for young ESE students who thrive on structured routines and familiarity.  

How has Kelly Education supported you in your role?

Kelly Education has been very supportive, providing professional development resources that have helped me grow. They put significant effort into organizing webinars, particularly for working with students with special needs and positive reinforcement strategies, which I find beneficial. 

What’s next for you in your professional journey? 

I’m working on obtaining my teaching certification this summer, advancing my career. The school staffing specialist, Carly Canterbury, has encouraged me to take the teaching certification test to pursue a permanent role. I take pride in my work with Kelly Education and look forward to continuing to contribute positively to my community. 

What colleagues say about Gulzar Pabani.

“Gulzar Pabani embodies the qualities of patience, flexibility and creativity, traits that are essential for any outstanding educator. Whether adjusting to last minute schedule changes, finding new ways to engage students, or offering support to colleagues, she navigates every situation with grace and professionalism.”  

– Autherene Leighvard, Principal 

“Ms. Pabani has successfully navigated many obstacles in a classroom with two groups of students with special needs. She is consistently punctual and reliable, and she works diligently to support the students’ goals.”  

– Leanda McMurtry, Assistant Principal 

Congratulations, Mrs. Pabani!

“Gulzar Pabani is a true representative of the high-quality educators Kelly Education provides to its partner schools each day,” says Nicola Soares, President of Kelly Education.  

“She operates with high integrity and makes a clear difference in ensuring student success. We are proud to recognize her commitment with this honor.”  

As one of four Educator of the Year winners, Mrs. Pabani will receive a $5,000 bonus from Kelly Education, as well as $1,500 donated on her behalf to Dr. Phillips Elementary in Orange County Public Schools. 

Getting started with Kelly Education.

Substitute teaching is a flexible and rewarding job. Are you ready to make a difference? Complete our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will share more about applying to be a substitute teacher. You can also learn more by reading our complete guide to becoming a substitute teacher.

I’m interested