Jefferson’s of Winchester has announced that Miranda Griffin has been named the Winchester Teacher of the Year, coinciding with the recent National Teachers’ Day.

Griffin teaches kindergarten at Rock Creek Elementary School and has been in the educational field for 13 years. She is pursuing a master’s degree in special education to better support a more diverse learning environment, according to a press release from the restaurant.

Griffin was chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by students and community members, the press release said.

The contest, launched in honor of National Teachers’ Day on May 5, aims to recognize one of Winchester’s many deserving educators.

Jefferson’s selected Griffin based on her energy and dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all her students, according to the press release.

“Mrs. Griffin’s nominators spoke of her infectious passion,” Sean McCooey, president of the Double Dip Franchise Group, which is the local restaurant’s parent corporation, said. “She’s famous for dressing for the occasion to coordinate with her lessons.

“She’s been a bumblebee, a composition notebook, a leprechaun and an alphabet tree, to name a few. Every child in Mrs. Griffin’s classroom feels loved and excited to learn. Mrs. Griffin embodies everything our communities value in their teachers and leaders, and we’re honored to recognize her for her dedication to the Winchester community.”

Griffin has received a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s, and her achievement will be commemorated on the “Jefferson’s Teacher of the Year” plaque at the Winchester restaurant.

“Being a teacher has meant stepping into a role that extends beyond lesson plans and grades,” Griffin said. “It’s about showing up with patience and curiosity and witnessing growth in every small moment.

“Whether a shy student gains enough confidence to answer a question or a family trusts you to support their child’s unique needs, I find joy in every aspect of teaching. It is a daily commitment to create safe, inclusive spaces where diverse learners can thrive, feel seen and believe in their potential.”

Last year was the launch of the Teacher of the Year program with Jessica Mayes, a teacher at Decherd Elementary School, selected as Winchester’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 press release said.

The teachers’ initiative is open to those working with students of any age, and candidates can be nominated by students, parents and guardians of students, school officials or other community members, the press release said.