Jefferson’s of Lawrence is pleased to announce that Kathryn Brooks has been named the first-ever Jefferson’s Lawrence Teacher of the Year! Brooks has been a teacher for two years, and currently teaches science at West Middle School.
Brooks 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 Lawrence’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Brooks as the Lawrence Teacher of the Year for her passion for science, ability to spark curiosity in her students, and her kindheartedness.
“Brooks’ nominators spoke of her humor and her love for what she does,” said Jefferson’s President Brandon Graham. “Her students shared how Brooks goes out of her way to make sure all her students are not just learning but are included and having fun–and if a student needs someone to eat lunch with, Brooks will be that someone. We’re honored to recognize Kathryn Brooks for her dedication and her contribution to the Lawrence community.”
Brooks 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.
“I knew I wanted to be a teacher at 8 years old,” Brooks said in a statement. “I watched my own teacher cut a perfect circle out of construction paper with those super long scissors and get it in one try. I was enchanted. After that, a high school science teacher inspired my love for the subject–science is everywhere!”
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.