Jefferson’s Summerville announces 2026 Teacher of the Year!

Jefferson’s of Summerville is pleased to announce that Briana Carmon has been named Jefferson’s 2026 Summerville Teacher of the Year! Ms. Carmon teaches agriculture at Summerville Middle School, and has been teaching for four years.

Ms. Carmon 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 Summerville’s many deserving educators. Jefferson’s selected Ms. Carmon as the Summerville Teacher of the Year for creating a welcoming environment where all of her students can learn safely and comfortably.

“Ms. Carmon’s classroom is never empty, and that’s because she’s never turned away a child who needs help,” said Jake Lund, franchisee/co-owner. “Her nominators describe her as a second parent to her students. She’s energetic, funny, and always working long hours to organize field trips and shows for her kids. Ms. Carmon embodies everything our communities value in their teachers and leaders, and we’re honored to recognize her for her dedication to the Summerville community.”

Carmon will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and her achievement will be commemorated on the “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque at the Summerville restaurant.

“Being a teacher is so rewarding,” said Ms. Carmon in a statement, “and I don’t mean rewarding as in helping students pass tests, but by getting students to learn real world skills and helping them navigate situations that they will inevitably encounter in life. Agriculture education isn’t only learning about cows and planting crops, but it teaches life skills such as leadership, communication, and how to be self-sufficient.” 

Last year was the launch of the Teacher of the Year program, with Jennifer Skelton, teacher at Trion Middle School, selected as Summerville’s 2025 Teacher 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.