Position: English and Technology Teacher
School: Columbiana Middle School
School District: Shelby County Schools
City, State: Columbiana, AL
Jason Mayfield was nominated anonymously.
Mr. Mayfield, who has won the Teacher of the Year award at Columbiana Middle School, believes in a mentor mindset. His view is that teachers can primarily teach through an enforcer, protector, or mentor mindset. Mr. Mayfield uses the mentor mindset and has a unique approach. He tells the students that he's a track coach. He calls a student up and pretends his desk is a hurdle. A protector removes the hurdle, deciding the kid can't do it. When you lower your standards, the kids ultimately suffer. An enforcer says, "This is the standard, and you have to hit it!" There's little to no support. However, a mentor sets an appropriate hurdle height for the student, but also coaches the student to clear it. So, he sets a suitable standard, but then does all he can to help students clear that mark.