Rob Lively
Beth Cooper
Danielle Rudd
Austin Sanders
Jefferson’s Restaurant announces the first Chattanooga area Jefferson’s Teachers of the Year. Each Jefferson’s location in the Chattanooga area has honored a local winner:
Dalton: Rob Lively teaches social studies at Eastbrook Middle School, and is a proud veteran. A teacher for 26 years, Mr. Lively’s teaching philosophy has been shaped by his many experiences over the years as a paraprofessional, teacher of English language learners, and a math teacher. He was selected for his ability to form unique, personal and joyful relationships with his students.
Kimball: Beth Cooper teaches third grade at Stevenson Elementary School, and has been teaching for 11 years. She’s stated that her greatest joy as a teacher is in helping students who are experiencing rough patches in their lives. Mrs. Cooper was chosen for her incredible student advocacy, and her determination to make sure no student goes without.
Ringgold: Danielle Rudd is a sixth - eighth grade Reading Intervention teacher at East Hamilton Middle School. She has taught for 17 years across four different states. She also has an educational consulting company where she serves students all across the South in reading, math, Spanish, study skills and more. She was selected for her ability to create a welcoming environment and connect meaningfully with each student that passes through her classroom.
Trenton: Austin Sanders teaches special education at Dade Elementary School, and is in his 11th year as an educator. He is also a wrestling coach, which inspired him to become a teacher–he wanted his impact to go beyond the mat. Mr. Sanders was chosen for his determination to make sure every child knows they’re included, accepted and valued.
Each teacher 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 6, aims to recognize a few of the many deserving teachers in the Chattanooga area. Jefferson’s selected Mr. Lively, Ms. Cooper, Ms. Rudd and Mr. Sanders as the Teachers of the Year for their compassionate leadership, commitment to service and ability to hone the whole-person development of their students.
"Our educators Lively, Cooper, Rudd, and Sanders are all teachers that are beloved by their communities," said Jefferson's President Brandon Graham. “They work jaw-dropping hours, drive long commutes, and provide school supplies and food for students in need–but they also know their students’ favorite games and snacks and have dozens of inside jokes with their students. We’re honored to recognize them for their outstanding service to their students and communities.”
Each teacher will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and their achievement will be commemorated with a "Jefferson's Teacher of the Year" plaque for all restaurant patrons to see.
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.
If you’d like to congratulate Rob Lively, Beth Cooper, Danielle Rudd, or Austin Sanders, or share a story about them as teachers, please do so by commenting on their winner announcement posts on Facebook and Instagram.