Jefferson’s of Fort Payne is pleased to announce that Michael Phillips has been named the first-ever Jefferson’s Fort Payne Teacher of the Year! Mr. Phillips teaches special education at Plainview High School, where he teaches kindergarten through sixth grade. A teacher for the last 10 years, Phillips also serves as a full-time bus driver, taking on the opportunity to support his students in and out of the classroom.
Mr. Phillips 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 Fort Payne’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Mr. Phillips as the Fort Payne Teacher of the Year for his open-minded, individualized, and whole-hearted teaching approach.
“Mr. Phillips’ nominators spoke of how he takes the time to get to know all of his students,” said co-owner/franchisee Jake Lund. “He emphasizes life skills in addition to academics and finds creative ways to implement them: Having grown up on a farm, Mr. Phillips was inspired to share the therapeutic benefits of gardening and started a seed-to-harvest gardening project that teaches his students how to grow fruits and vegetables. For reasons like this (and more), we’re honored to recognize Mr. Phillips for his dedication and his contribution to the Fort Payne community.”
Phillips will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and his achievement will be commemorated with a “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque for all restaurant patrons to see.
“My goal is simple: even if my students take nothing else from my class, I want them to know that I care about them and that I’m always willing to help in any way I can,” Phillips said in a statement. “A friend once shared a quote from a speaker that’s stuck with me ever since: ‘Every student has value, but not every student feels valued.’ That line truly resonates with me.”
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.