Swing Education Names its 2020 Inductees into the Substitute Teacher Hall of Fame

Jim Strang

Three exemplary educators were chosen based on their contributions to the classroom and greater school community

As we reflect on this past school year, now more than ever, it is important to honor the contributions educators made to help students succeed. Swing Education, a staffing application for substitute teachers, has chosen three exceptional educators for the 2020 inductee class of its Substitute Teacher Hall of Fame. After receiving nominations from across the country, the educators—Sheeja Mathews, Jennifer Rutledge, and Jim Strang — were selected based on their outstanding work and contributions to the students, teachers, and schools they serve.

“This year’s inductees show the immeasurable impact substitute teachers can have on students’ lives,” said Mike Teng, CEO of Swing Education. “From in-classroom teaching to remote learning support to dedicated mentorship and more, these educators are making a real difference and we are proud to recognize their hard work and dedication.”

The three inductees were chosen based on a number of factors, including their impact on students and the greater school community, going above and beyond, reliability, and more. The inductees will each receive a prize package that includes a $500 cash award, $250 for professional development or school supplies, and a commemorative plaque. They will also be profiled on the Swing Education website.

This year’s inductees are: Sheeja Mathews, substitute teacher in Franklin Lakes, NJ; Jennifer Rutledge, substitute teacher in Mt. Vernon, IL and Jim Strang, substitute teacher in Avon, OH.

Jim Strang, Substitute Teacher in Avon, OH

Following a 40-year career in journalism, Strang has been substitute teaching for the last 12 years at Avon Local School District. “The interaction with the young people, other teachers, and administrators has been deeply rewarding,” he said.

“He not only substitute teaches for grades 6-12, but also attends as many boys and girls basketball games, football games, band and orchestra concerts, and any other extra-curricular activity that he possibly can,” said a middle school teacher from the district. “The students absolutely adore him.”

“He treats all students like they are his own and takes the time out of his day to get to know and understand them,” added one of Strang’s students.

Mathews, Rutledge, and Strang join the inaugural class of Substitute Teacher Hall of Fame inductees which includes Valerie Aduba, who teaches at multiple schools in Sacramento, CA; Michael Packard, who teaches at The Renaissance Academy in Phoenixville, PA; and Ralph Starace, who teaches at Sussex County Technical School in Sparta, NJ.

To learn more about the Substitute Teacher Hall of Fame by Swing Education and this year’s inductees, visit https://swingeducation.com/substitute-teacher-hall-of-fame/.

About Swing Education

Founded in 2015, Swing Education offers a staffing application to provide qualified substitute teachers for K-12 schools. The company comprehensively recruits, screens, and permits educators to fill teacher and support staff absences. Schools and substitutes are efficiently matched through Swing Education’s online marketplace, with substitute teachers selecting job opportunities via text or a mobile app. The company’s pool of substitute teachers includes both veteran educators and trained professionals who are entering into the education community through Swing Education. To date, Swing Education has helped more than 2,500 school partners and over 5 million students. To learn more about Swing Education, visit www.swingeducation.com.

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