Jefferson’s of Hoover is pleased to announce that Martez Tidwell has been named Jefferson’s 2026 Hoover Teacher of the Year! Mr. Tidwell is the choral music director at Spain Park High School, where he also teaches AP Music Theory. A proud Auburn native, Mr. Tidwell has been teaching for 12 years.
Mr. Tidwell 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 the many deserving educators in the Birmingham area. Jefferson’s selected Mr. Tidwell as the Hoover Teacher of the Year for his great ability to form meaningful connections with all students.
“Mr. Tidwell’s nominators spoke of his care and his passion,” said Lauren Grisham, General Manager of Hoover Jefferson’s. “Not only has he worked to grow Spain Park’s music program, he’s done so by ensuring that choir is a welcoming place for all students—and especially for those kids who did not feel they belonged anywhere. He expects excellence from his students, but he also makes sure that every child feels seen and understood. Mr. Tidwell embodies everything our communities value in their teachers and leaders, and we’re honored to recognize him for his dedication to the Hoover community.”
Tidwell will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and his achievement will be commemorated on the “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque at the Hoover restaurant.
“Teaching is such a privilege and honor,” said Mr. Tidwell in a statement. “The impact of education on the future generations is the most important gift we can give them. I believe that we shape beautiful people while making beautiful music.”Â
Last year was the launch of the Teacher of the Year program, with Becky Boykin, teacher at Louis Pizitz Middle School, selected as Hoover’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.