A teacher assistant with a heart for counseling students has been named Guilford County Schools’ May 2015 Employee of the Month, sponsored by Sam’s Club.

“Mr. Jonathan Cassell’s job title is teacher assistant, but he is so much more,” says Erwin Montessori principal and nominator Deborah Parker.

In addition to fulfilling all the traditional duties of a teacher assistant, he also recruits volunteers, serves as testing coordinator and greets students each day in the car-rider line. Cassell will soon receive a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, and he’s already putting those skills to work, advising students and parents when the situation calls. He also helps organize the Boys Love Books afterschool club, which encourages a love of reading, and his fraternity brothers regularly volunteer.

“Mr. Cassell began as a parent volunteer at Erwin Montessori and he was quickly recognized for his positive attitude and willingness to work hard, so he has been employed at Erwin long after his children have left,” Parker writes. “He exemplifies the character, work ethic and professionalism that all principals look for.”

As Employee of the Month, Cassell received a $50 gift card from Sam’s Club, which has given nearly $6,000 to outstanding GCS employees since 2005. During the month of May, his photo will hang at the district’s central offices, at Erwin Montessori and at the Sam’s Club on Wendover Avenue.

GCS celebrates all of its 10,000 employees during Thank a Teacher month in May.