Jefferson’s of Albertville is pleased to announce that Makenzi Golden has been named Jefferson’s 2026 Albertville Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Golden teaches 9-12 SPED at Albertville High School, and has been teaching for three years. Before that, she worked for several years as an educator as a K-3 paraprofessional.
Mrs. Golden was chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by students and community members. The contest, launched in honor of National Teachers’ Day on May 5, aims to recognize one of Albertville’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Mrs. Golden as the Albertville Teacher of the Year for her wholehearted approach.
“Mrs. Golden’s nominators spoke of how much she cares,” said Sean McCooey, President of Double Dip Franchise Group. “She has worked tirelessly to individualize her teaching for every child in her classroom, ensuring growth and increased independence for all of her students. Mrs. Golden has never hesitated to do anything that will improve her students’ lives, whether that means providing shelter during a transition in care, creative field trips, and taking from her own pocket so that everyone’s opportunities are equitable. Mrs. Golden embodies everything our communities value in their teachers and leaders, and we’re honored to recognize her for her dedication to the Albertville community.”
Golden will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and her achievement will be commemorated on the “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque at the Albertville restaurant.
“I deeply value the time I spend with my students,” said Mrs. Golden in a statement, “and the opportunity to support their growth. It is incredibly rewarding to watch them gain confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of themselves.”Â
Last year was the launch of the Teacher of the Year program, with Naomi Swords, teacher at Albertville Elementary School, selected as Albertville’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.Â
This year is the sophomore run for the Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year award, launched as a companion program to Jefferson’s Coach of the Year award, which runs in the fall. The teachers’ initiative is 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.