Substitute Spotlights
Twice each month, we spotlight standout substitutes based on ratings and comments from the schools where they have worked. Continue reading below to see the substitutes that have been spotlighted this school year!
Mandi Taylor
Mandi Taylor works with schools just a little ways south of Salt Lake City, UT. She has been with Senya since April of 2023.
What brought you into substitute teaching?
“Substitute teaching has been such a great experience for me! The flexibility and ‘school hours’ schedule is fantastic as I work full time juggling my job as a wedding planner and mom of 5 kids on evenings and weekends.”
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
“The opportunities to meet and interact with so many new people daily! I love the kids and helping them believe in themselves even just for a day! I also love supporting and helping the amazing profession of teachers.”
School Reviews
"Arrives early, has a positive attitude, and has become familiar with our school." - Kathy D., Providence Hall Elementary
"Mandi is an excellent substitute! She interacts well with students and follows sub plans with exactness." - Melanie E., Utah Military Academy Lehi
"Classroom left clean and tidy; excellent classroom management; followed lesson plans; left detailed notes; positive student engagement." - Reannon K., Utah Military Academy Lehi
"Excellent classroom management." - Burgundi K., Providence Hall High School
Zachery Krebs
Zachery Krebs works with schools in Herriman and other nearby communities in Utah. He has been with Senya since October of 2023.
What brought you into substitute teaching?
“Substitute teaching was a good fit for me while I am between my church mission and going to college.”
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
“I love being able to joke and have fun with the kids I'm teaching while helping them get their work done.”
School Reviews
"He was awesome! Great notes and my classroom was clean!" - Chrissy K., Providence Hall Jr. High
"Positive attitude. Arrived on time." - Kathy D., Providence Hall Elementary
Kristen Henry
Kristen works with schools across the west valley communities south of Salt Lake City. She has been with Senya since November of 2022.
What brought you into substitute teaching?
“I started substitute teaching after hearing that schools were in desperate need of substitutes because of the effects of COVID-19."
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
“My favorite thing about substitute teaching is the flexibility it provides. I can set my own schedule and take the jobs I prefer."
School Reviews
"Classroom left clean and tidy, excellent classroom management, and left detailed notes." - Jason G., Hawthorn Academy West Jordan
"Followed lesson plans and had positive student engagement." - Hanna E., Entheos Academy Kearns
"Kristen Henry is a fantastic sub. She works hard to follow the lesson plans and have the students complete the work they are supposed to. She is a good communicator when something is unclear to ensure that your classes will be successful. Highly recommend!" - Cora L., Early Light Academy
Suzanne Resendiz
Suzanne works with schools across the west valley and Utah valley areas that are just a little south of Salt Lake City, UT. She has been with Senya since 2020!
What brought you into substitute teaching?
“I enjoy teaching. I have taught English online and am a yoga instructor on the side. I wanted to get a feel for how it is as a teacher. Now, working with kids has been fun, challenging, and rewarding. I'm glad to have the opportunity!"
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
“One of my favorite things about substitute teaching is I get to provide help for the kids and schools however big or small the contribution is."
School Reviews
Suzanne earned 23 five-star ratings in the months of December and January!
"Outstanding, involved, dependable!" - Stephanie H., American Leadership Academy
"Suzanne was awesome! She engaged with the students and even asked if I needed help during the teacher's prep period!" - Stephanie H., American Leadership Academy
Janessa Chaffin
Janessa works with schools across the west valley area south of Salt Lake City, UT. She has been with Senya since September of 2022.
What brought you into substitute teaching?
“When my kids were in school all day, I wanted to start working but have a flexible schedule. Since I was volunteering at their school a lot anyway, I felt that substitute teaching would be a perfect fit."
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
“I love working with all the students and seeing them learn and understand new concepts. It’s rewarding to see them take on a challenge and succeed."
School Reviews
Janessa has maintained a perfect 5-star rating across 60+ jobs on the Senya platform!
"Helpful and amazing as always!" - Mikayla L., Early Light Academy
"Classroom left clean and tidy. Excellent classroom management! Followed lesson plans." - Matt S., Early Light Academy
Eddie Morgan
Eddie works with schools across the greater Phoenix metro area in Arizona. He has been with Senya since October of 2023.
What brought you into substitute teaching?
“I deferred my retirement from the USPS after 29 years and finished as an Executive with the organization. I have a logistics company and found myself with free time. My cousin suggested substitute teaching, and to my surprise, I really enjoy it."
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
"I enjoy the students and they're over the top personalities. I am in utter shock at their concerns and conversations, but at their core, they're still just kids."
School Reviews
"Mr. Morgan is beloved by our students; he is one of the best subs you have!" - Yolanda C., BASIS Goodyear
"On time and great with the kids!" - Malia B., BASIS Goodyear
"He was awesome! Kids loved him. Early, flexible; offered office support during down time. Positive attitude and prepared." - Tom P., Val Vista Academy
Ivy Tornow
Ivy works with schools across the communities south of Salt Lake City, UT. She has been with Senya since September of 2023.
What brought you into substitute teaching?
"My daughter, Sage, is a substitute teacher. She told me that she enjoyed the flexibility of choosing jobs on days she was available, and Senya's app made it extremely easy to find jobs in our local area. Substitute teaching has turned out to be a great option for me to work because the flexibility allows me to sub as many days as my schedule allows."
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
"My favorite part of substitute teaching is the kids. I have been subbing long enough that know kids at certain schools. It is extremely gratitying when I show up and kids know me. I find the kids are respectful and the teachers are prepared, which makes my job more enjoyable."
School Reviews
"Positive attitude and prepared!" - Burgundi K., Providence Hall High School
Ivy has maintained a PERFECT 5-star rating through over 40 jobs this school year!
Ije Ogbu
Ije works with schools across in Phoenix and across the east valley. She has been with Senya since April of 2023.
What brought you into substitute teaching?
"What brought me into substitute teaching had to do with a change of career. I started off as a para professional and after 2 years decided I needed to climb up the career ladder. I never for one day thought I would ever stand in the front of a classroom to teach or even handle one on my own because I never thought I had the courage to do so. However, after I left my job as a full time para professional, I decided to substitute as a para while looking outside the education field for something else. Little did I know that by doing that I would actually develop a passion for substitute teaching. I have been doing this for close to 5 years now."
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
"My favorite thing about substitute teaching is knowing that I can pick whatever grade I want to teach. I have worked in preschool to 12th grade classes. Every grade
has its ups and downs but that is what makes it interesting.
Secondly, another favorite thing about substituting is that you get to meet students from all walks of life. You end up forming a bond with the student and staff. You see their different personalities, know where you can be of help to them, and know that you have a great pool of people to support you when you need some help as well. The warm embrace, kind gestures and smiling faces from both students and staff always brightens my day. I wake up each morning excited to be ready for work. I want to thank Senya and other educational platforms that have given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally."
School Reviews
"Early, flexible, positive attitude, and prepared!" - Ashley O., ASU Preparatory Academy South Phoenix K6
"Offered office support during down time and had a positive attitude!" - Liliana G., ASU Preparatory Academy Pilgrim Rest
Pam Wilson
Pam works with schools all across Salt Lake County and Utah County. She is one of the longest substitutes on the Senya platform, starting in the year 2020!
What brought you into substitute teaching?
"I decided to do substitute teaching when my kids all left the house and I had more time. I wanted to work but I didn't want a full time job. Substitute teaching seemed perfect because I could work when I wanted."
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
"I love to be able to help children learn. It is so fun to see a child understand something they are working on! I also love when they recognize me in the hallways and wave to me. I have been blessed to work with amazing children and teachers!"
School Reviews
"Very helpful; walking around the classroom making sure students are focused; is attentive!" - Garnet K., Utah County Academy of Sciences
"Very able to work with all students and gives them confidence." - Melody A., Early Light Academy
"Followed lesson plans and very helpful and thorough!" - Sarah M., Ascent Academy West Jordan
Angela Mims
Angela works with schools in Tucson and Oro Valley, Arizona. She has been on the Senya platform since September of 2023!
What brought you into substitute teaching?
"I embarked on a career in substitute teaching driven by my desire to make a positive difference in the lives of young students. Additionally, I believe it is crucial for children to have relatable and inspiring role models in their educational journey."
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
"One of the aspects I find most enjoyable about substitute teaching is the opportunity to interact with students from diverse backgrounds, spanning various ages and educational levels. Each day brings a fresh adventure, and I cherish the fact that no two days are ever alike."
School Reviews
"Angela goes above and beyond and stayed late to help with grading. She is amazing!" - BASIS Tucson North
"Early, flexible, positive attitude, and prepared!" - BASIS Tucson North
Nia Davis
Nia works with schools in Mount Vernon and nearby areas of NYC. She has been on the Senya platform since October of 2023!
What brought you into substitute teaching?
"As a child I always knew I wanted to teach in schools. Before joining Senya, I've had previous experience with substitute teaching for a short period of time due to the pandemic in 2020. In that short period of time, l've developed a love for teaching and engaging with students despite the fact that I am only filling in momentarily. Senya has allowed me to continue to share my love for teaching and as a result, l've been able to make genuine connections with scholars and staff as well as develop my skill as a teacher."
What is your favorite thing about subbing?
"One of the highlights of substitute teaching for me has been the bonds I've built with the students over time. It's immensely rewarding to play a part in their educational journey and witness the impact it has on their learning. Their enthusiasm when I walk into the classroom brings me such happiness and inspires me to be there for them consistently, regardless of the challenges we may face."
School Reviews
"Nia has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication and reliability in her role. She excels in engaging with the students, earning their respect and admiration through her effective and compassionate teaching methods. She's been a valuable asset to our community." - Karl E., Amani Public Charter School
Nia has maintained a top rating across her 90+ jobs this school year!
