Jefferson’s of Scottsboro is pleased to announce that Erica Hill has been named the first-ever Jefferson’s Scottsboro Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Hill teaches second grade at Caldwell Elementary School, and has been teaching for 18 years.
Mrs. Hill 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 Scottsboro’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Mrs. Hill as the Scottsboro Teacher of the Year for her passion for her generosity and tremendous community spirit.
“Mrs. Hill’s nominators spoke of her patience and her incredible communication with the students and the parents,” said Sean McCooey, President of Double Dip Franchise Group. “When one student experienced a major personal loss that left the family in crisis. Erica quietly stepped in–providing thoughtful support, essential items, and outgoing care during a time of immense difficulty. We’re honored to recognize Mrs. Hill for her dedication and her contribution to the Scottsboro community.”
Mrs. Hill 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.
“Teaching has always been close to my heart,” Hill said in a statement. “My aunt Jane was a special education teacher at Brownwood Elementary for 35 years, and my aunt Betsy taught kindergarten at Stevenson Elementary for 20 years. The incredible teachers they were continue to inspire me every single day. I strive to carry their legacy forward in my own classroom and make it a place where my students feel seen, valued, and loved.”
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.