A Turlock High School educator has been recognized as one of the best teachers in the county.

Chosen from a pool of 69 nominees in 15 school districts, Jared Jeffries on Tuesday was named the 2019 Stanislaus County Teacher of the Year for the high school division — one of four teachers from different grade levels to receive the honor.

Jeffries was “astonished” to win, he said, and said videos of each teacher shown at the ceremony on Tuesday proved he was in the presence of educators who truly care about their students.

“The films made it clear all of the finalists were profoundly gifted educators. I’m truly honored to have been selected as the winner,” Jeffries said. “I deeply appreciate all of SCOE and Modesto Rotary’s commitment to honor us teachers. It’s a job that’s never easy but always fulfilling.”

Jeffries, who teaches the Expository Reading and Writing Course for seniors as well as Advanced Prep Literature and Composition at THS, is known around campus for his high energy in class and his tendency to connect themes in the classroom to real-life happenings.

The Denair High School graduate earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara, then went on to earn his master’s degree in Literature and teaching credential from Stanislaus State. He was inspired to become a teacher thanks to his mom, he said, who is an educator as well.

Jeffries and the other three instructors selected as Teachers of the Year each received a $1,000 cash award from the Modesto Rotary Club Foundation and a $650 Nasco gift card. He will also be featured in Modesto’s Fourth of July Parade.

This is the 21st year that Modesto Rotary and SCOE have joined efforts to honor teachers in Stanislaus County.  The program not only honors local teachers and celebrates excellence in education, but also provides an opportunity for teachers to receive state and national recognition.  Two of the four Teachers of the Year will be selected, through an interview process, to represent Stanislaus County in the State Teacher of the Year Program.  One state winner then proceeds to the national level.
“It’s an honor to partner with Rotary to recognize these outstanding teachers – each who helps inspire and shape the lives of students in our county each and every day,” said County Superintendent of Schools Scott Kuykendall.