Kelly Education is proud to celebrate the incredible impact of educators across the country through our Substitute Educator of the Year program. This recognition highlights educators who bring dedication, compassion, and energy into their roles every day—supporting students, strengthening classrooms, and uplifting entire school communities.
Celia Effrig, is our 2026 winner in the paraeducator category. She works at Yarborough Elementary in Auburn City Schools in Alabama where she supports a small group of fifth-grade students.
Her journey in education began while working in the after-school program during college, where she first discovered her passion for supporting students with special needs. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University, she returned to the classroom through Kelly Education and has spent her career helping students with IEPs build academic skills, independence, and confidence.
Right now, I work with a group of four fifth-grade boys, and I’ve actually been with them since they were in third grade. This is our third year together, every day with them feels like a new adventure, and they’ve truly become such an important part of my life.
All of my students have IEPs, which means they need individualized support in the classroom. That can look different for each student—extra time, modified assignments, or more one-on-one help. I work closely with each student to meet their specific needs, while also supporting them as a group. I often pull my students into a small group to reteach material and help them better understand their work.
A big focus for me has been building independence. When they first started with me, they were more hesitant and unsure of themselves. Now, I really encourage them to try things on their own first and then come to me with questions. I want them to feel confident and capable, because that independence is so important for their growth.
I actually started at Yarborough while I was in college, working in the after-school program for four years. During that time, I worked with some students with special needs and really loved helping them and seeing their growth.
A few years later, I reconnected with a colleague who told me about an open paraeducator position. I didn’t even fully know what the role was at the time, but I loved the school and wanted to work with kids again, so I went for it. I’ve now been with Kelly Education the entire time, and it’s truly been life-changing.
I’ve always loved working with children. Growing up, I was the oldest in a single-parent household, and I helped my younger brothers a lot with homework and anything they needed. My mom also worked at a daycare, and I would help out there too.
That naturally turned into a passion for helping kids grow and succeed. Even though I didn’t originally have experience with special education, once I started, it quickly became something I cared deeply about.
Seeing growth over time is the most rewarding part. Watching students go from being unsure or struggling to becoming more confident and independent is incredible.
It’s also about the relationships. I want every child I work with to know they are valued and supported—not just as students, but as people. Whether that means helping them in class or showing up to their games outside of school, I want them to know they matter.
There can definitely be difficult days. Sometimes students have emotional outbursts or get frustrated with their work, and it can be hard in the moment. But I always try to step back and think about what they’re going through.
It’s not really about me—they’re just struggling. And the next day, they might come in smiling and give you a hug like nothing ever happened. Being able to support them through those tough moments and then see their growth makes it all worth it.
Building relationships takes time and patience. It’s not instant. Some students are hesitant at first, especially when someone new enters their space.
I pay attention to their cues and give them space when they need it. I don’t force connections—I let them come to me. Over time, that trust builds, and those relationships become incredibly strong. I’ve even stayed in touch with students years later, which means so much to me.
Teamwork is essential. I work closely with both general and special education teachers to make sure we’re all on the same page. Consistency is so important for these students, so we all follow the same plans and approaches to best support them.
Make sure you truly have the heart for this job. There will be hard days, but if you genuinely care about the kids and want to help them succeed, that will carry you through.
Patience is key, and so is empathy. When you focus on the child and what they’re experiencing, it makes the work more meaningful and rewarding.
It’s very emotional. This is my last year with this group of students, and it’s hard knowing they’ll be moving on to middle school without me.
I’m trying to focus on enjoying every moment I have left with them. They’re amazing kids, and while I’ll miss them so much, I know they’re going to go on to do great things.
“Celia Effrig 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 our Substitute Educator of the Year winners, Celia will receive a $5,000 bonus from Kelly Education, as well as $1,500 donated on her behalf to Yarbrough Elementary School in the Auburn School District.
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 paraeducator or substitute teacher. You can also learn more by reading our article about becoming a paraeducator.