Jefferson’s of Hoover is pleased to announce that Becky Boykin has been named the first-ever Jefferson’s Hoover Teacher of the Year! Ms. Boykin teaches Math at Louis Pizitz Middle School. She has been teaching for 31 years.
Ms. Boykin 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 many deserving educators in the Birmingham area. Jefferson’s selected Ms. Boykin as the Hoover Teacher of the Year for her big love for her students, and her ability to ensure every child feels valued and cared for.
“Ms. Boykin’s nominators spoke of her infectiously joyful spirit,” said general manager Lauren Grisham. “She sees her students as her own children, and her students know it too. The special, nurturing environment she’s created has allowed decades of students to thrive. We’re honored to recognize Ms. Boykin for her dedication and contribution to the Hoover community.”
Ms. Boykin 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.
“Every day creates a moving, or hysterical, or completely wild, or absolutely thrilling memory!” Boykin said in a statement. “I first spent 11 wonderful years teaching in Louisiana until Hurricane Katrina turned my life upside down. That experience led me to move to Birmingham, Alabama, where I continued to pursue my calling. I absolutely love what I do every day—teaching kids about learning, how to learn, how to make good choices, and inspiring them to have a desire to make this world a better place. It’s what I truly believe my life is about. Thirty-one years later, I am so thankful to still have the honor of doing what I love.”
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.