Jefferson’s is pleased to announce that Cameron Martin and Sandra Plummer have been named, respectively, the first-ever Jefferson’s Jacksonville Teacher of the Year and Jefferson’s Oxford Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Martin teaches fifth grade science at Weaver Elementary School, and Mrs. Plummer teaches K2 and K4 at Trinity Christian Academy.
Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Plummer were chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by students and community members. The contest, launched in honor of National Teachers’ Day–today, May 6–aims to recognize one of the area’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Plummer as Teachers of the Year for their unwavering commitment to their students and incredible ability to spread joy.
“Mrs. Martin’s nominators spoke of her creativity in her lessons, as well as her ability to be a soft landing for every student,” said Jefferson’s president Brandon Graham. “Each pupil in Mrs. Martin’s classroom is included and encouraged. Mrs. Plummer’s nominators spoke of her lively, creative classroom, describing her as a pillar of the school. If a student is struggling, these teachers will help. If a support gap opens up in the school, they will fill it. We’re honored to recognize Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Plummer for their dedication and contribution to their communities.”
Each teacher will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and their achievement will be commemorated with a “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque for all restaurant patrons to see.
“I knew from early on that I wanted to be a teacher and help children learn,” Plummer said in a statement. “I have been blessed with so many children and their families over the past 25 years. I am honored and humbled by this nomination.”
“Growing up I came to Jefferson’s and loved eating wings and playing the arcade games,” Mrs. Martin said. “I am so honored to be selected as Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year!”
This year is the pilot run for the Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year award, launched as a sister program to Jefferson’s Coach of the Year award, which runs in the fall. The teachers’ initiative was open to teachers working with students of any age, and candidates could be nominated by students, parents and guardians of students, school officials, or other community members.