Jefferson’s of Lenexa is pleased to announce that Jessica Barger has been named the first-ever Jefferson’s Lenexa Teacher of the Year! Barger teaches math at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, currently focusing on IB, AP, and College Now classes. She has been teaching for 21 years.
Barger 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 Johnson County’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Barger as the Lenexa Teacher of the Year for her passion for her subject and her readiness to share her expertise with all students.
“Jessica Barger teaches upper level math–tough subjects for almost anyone,” said co-owner/franchisee Nick Price. “Her nominators spoke of not just how smart she is, but her ability and patience in sharing that intelligence and communicating this complex material. It’s clear from her nominations that she will do anything in her power to support her students and foster their curiosity, and that she’s beloved for that reason. We’re honored to recognize Jessica Barger for her dedication and her contribution to the Lenexa community.”
Barger 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 love when I have found a way to reach a student, when I can see ‘the light bulb turn on,’” Barger said in a statement. “There are times when I have to get creative in how I explain some pretty difficult topics. There’s nothing quite like witnessing that spark of understanding in a student–the moment confusion gives way to clarity and their eyes light up with realization. Suddenly everything clicks. As a teacher, those moments are what we all strive for. They are a reminder of why I teach: to guide, to challenge, and ultimately, to help students see what they are truly capable of.”
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.