Mr. Dail wins JHS Teacher of the Year

Mr. Dail was recently named Jordan’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. This is an award handed out by the school every year, and the winner moves onto the district competition for district-wide teacher of the year. Mr. Dail teaches AP Environmental Science and Earth Science classes at Jordan and has been teaching here for 4 years. Mr. Dail said that, “It was very kind and honoring to have my fellow staff choose me for this award.”

Mr. Dail explained that his favorite thing about teaching is connecting with his students and fellow staff members and witnessing student growth and accomplishments. This connection that he has with his students is echoed by the students themselves. Ella Cohen, a senior who had him for APES, says, “He really cares about all of his students and does his best to support all of them individually.”

Ms. Taylor awards Mr. Dail with the TOY award

Mr. Dail said that being a good teacher “isn’t about being extraordinary, it’s about doing ordinary things to an extraordinary effect.” In an email to staff about Mr. Dail, Ms. Taylor explained that he “goes out of his way” to help students and staff every day.

The TOY is voted on by the entire staff, and Mr. Dail beat out some tough competitors. When asked, he said that “All of the other nominees are true titans of JHS who I think also deserved the award.” Some of the other nominees included Ms. Bellido, Jordan’s theatre teacher who has been here for over 20 years, and Ms. Cornelio, the new AP Government and Sociology teacher named Jordan’s Beginning TOY this year. The rest of the nominees were teachers in almost every subject offered at Jordan: Ms. Saunders, Ms. Wescott, Ms. Holmes, Ms. Odom, Mr. McDonald, and Mr. Murray.