Jefferson’s is pleased to announce that Colton Morris and Joshua Taylor have been named, respectively, Jefferson’s Jacksonville Teacher of the Year and Jefferson’s Oxford Teacher of the Year! Mr. Morris teaches seventh and eighth grade science at Pleasant Valley High School, and Mr. Taylor has taught first through sixth grade science and social studies at Walter Wellborn Elementary School.
Mr. Morris and Mr. Taylor were 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 area’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Mr. Morris and Mr. Taylor as Teachers of the Year for their interactive, practical lessons that keep their classrooms full of joy and curiosity.
“Mr. Morris’ nominators spoke of his positivity, kindness, and his equal treatment of all his students,” said Jefferson’s president Brandon Graham. “He’s hands-on, having his students learn by growing tomatoes and caring for hatching chickens—not to mention his jokes and magic tricks. His students know they are cared for by him. Mr. Taylor’s nominators, interestingly, also spoke of his magic tricks! His classes are always interactive and full of intention; Mr. Taylor often writes songs and jingles to help his students learn. He’s also established a tradition of providing Christmas gifts for all of his students right out of his own pocket. These educators embody everything our communities value in their teachers and leaders, and we’re honored to recognize them for their dedication to their communities.”
Each teacher will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and their achievement will be commemorated on a “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque for all restaurant patrons to see.
“I was blessed to have had great role models growing up that shaped my early and professional life,” Morris said in a statement. “PVHS is my home and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to teach and coach at the place that helped shape me. Providing a quality education and competing for championships are great, but the relationships created and the memories made are what makes this profession so special.”
“I have always viewed my ‘job’ as a calling and not a career,” Taylor said. “Teaching and investing in the minds of children is rewarding and inspiring. I absolutely love to see students succeed, learn, and love helping them do so!”
Last year was the launch of the Teacher of the Year program, with Cameron Martin of Weaver Elementary and Sandra Plummer of Trinity Christian Academy selected as 2025 Teachers of the Year.
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.