He is a teacher, a father, a grandfather. Manuel attended Casa Grande High School, then proceeded to teach there for 35 years. After he retired, he came back as a substitute – and at one point, a coach. His dedication to the community shines through in his work over the years.
Educators are always educators. For Lucrecia "Blanca" Kabeary, teaching has been a lifelong passion...one that she couldn't quite stay away from.
Before becoming a substitute for Littleton, Avondale, and Buckeye Elementary, Blanca's life had taken her in many different directions. She filled almost every role in education during her 32 year career. She worked as a Bilingual Paraprofessional, classroom teacher, and finally, administration. She decided it was finally time to retire - at least, partly.
While most of the general public don't know much about substitute coordinators, we feel extremely lucky at ESI to work closely with these unsung heroes of our school districts.
Kathy Ibarra has been a long term substitute teacher for second graders in the Littleton school district since 2017. Originally from Southern California, she has a Bachelor's degree in psychology. And prior to becoming a long term sub, she acquired her Master's degree in special education.
Events unfolding over the past year have forced us to find new ways to empathize with those around us, including with our students.
Cole Nelson came to Arizona after deciding to make a career change, a change that he hoped would allow him to make a difference in the lives of students. Hear why Cole is motivated to make a difference!
Chris joined the SubSource program after moving to Tempe to complete a pastoral internship. As a future religious leader, substitute teaching has helped him become "rooted in the community" and allows him to "serve his neighbors."
Arthur Basurto teaches Automotive Technology at Sunnyside High School in Tucson. He often tells his students "if you want the magic, you need to come to school." Last year 15 of his students earned prestigious auto industry certifications along with their high school diplomas.
Lance Allred was the first legally deaf player in the NBA. At almost seven feet tall, you might think he was blessed with a lot of natural talent, but his road to the NBA was not an easy one. Lance gives a lot of credit to Mrs. Aston, a 6th grade teacher who helped him look beyond his hearing impediment and use his natural grit and determination to succeed when others might easily quit.