Jefferson’s of Albertville is pleased to announce that Naomi Swords has been named the first-ever Jefferson’s Albertville Teacher of the Year! Ms. Swords began her teaching career in 2012 with Huntsville City Schools. She has been teaching third grade at Albertville Elementary School for the last four years, and has also taught first and sixth grade.Â
Ms. Swords was 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 Albertville’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Ms. Swords as the Albertville Teacher of the Year for her compassion, warmth, and whole-person approach.
“Ms. Swords’ nominators spoke of how teaching is not a job for Ms. Swords but a calling,” said Sean McCooey, President of Double Dip Franchise Group. “She makes every student feel confident and valued. She’s not just a teacher to her students but also a cheerleader, a mentor, and safe landing. We’re honored to recognize Ms. Swords for her dedication and her contribution to the Albertville community.”
Swords will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and her achievement will be commemorated with a “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque for all restaurant patrons to see.
“One of my favorite things about teaching is not from inside the classroom, but happens after my students have moved on,” Swords said in a statement. “I keep up with all of my former students, and many have gone on to become amazing individuals. I love seeing them become parents, open their own businesses, and succeed in life–one of my former students is currently attending a fashion design school in Los Angeles on a full scholarship. Seeing how far my students have come is my favorite teaching memory.”
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.