East County News Service
May 19, 2026 (Spring Valley) — Longtime Mount Miguel High School English teacher Dr. Mark Jeffers was named a 2026-27 San Diego County Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Jeffers is one of five educators selected for this honor from a large pool of teachers across the county.
Dr. Jeffers was given his award during a surprise presentation on May 15 at Mount Miguel. The presentation was coordinated in part by the San Diego Community Credit Union, a key partner of the annual Excellence in Education program, and featured a gathering of distinguished guests, including San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria Ciriza, Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Kirsten Vital Brulte, and GUHSD Governing Board Trustees Robert Shield, Gary Woods, Scott Eckert and Chris Fite.
Dr. Jeffers has taught English at Mount Miguel for 21 years and is known as the architect and driving force behind the Matador Early College program. This initiative has been a game-changer for the student body, allowing participants to take University of California/California State University-transferable courses at Cuyamaca and Grossmont colleges while completing their high school requirements.
Students in the program are not placed in modified or simplified coursework; they are enrolled in the same college courses as any other student, held to the same expectations, deadlines, and academic standards.
By immersing students in a collegiate environment early, Dr. Jeffers has helped them demystify higher education, build academic confidence, and successfully navigate the transition to college, and his recognition arrives at a pivotal moment for the campus.
Starting in fall 2026, Mount Miguel will officially become “Mount Miguel Early College High School,” which is intended to further broaden access to dual enrollment pathways and extend the program’s benefits to the entire student body, not just those enrolled in the MEC cohort.
Reflecting on the caliber of this year’s honorees, Superintendent Dr. Ciriza said that the “outstanding teachers exemplify the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on students, families, and their communities.”
“By bringing encouragement, joy, and opportunity into the lives of young people, they help students build confidence, discover their potential, and imagine brighter futures. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary leadership and commitment,” Dr. Ciriza said.
Board member Fite praised Dr. Jeffers’ innovative spirit, noting that his “unwavering dedication” has not only transformed individual lives but has inspired the entire school community.
Colleague and fellow educator Harold Mumford offered a moving testament to Dr. Jeffers’ influence on the campus culture:
“Dr. Jeffers’ leadership and his belief in students have not only created an award-winning program but have fundamentally shifted the culture of our campus. It is said: a good teacher changes what students know. A great teacher changes lives! Dr. Jeffers is a great educator!”
The San Diego County Office of Education has coordinated the County Teacher of the Year program for more than 35 years. To reach this level of recognition, Dr. Jeffers went through a rigorous application process and a series of interviews with a panel of judges that included representatives from the 9th District PTA, local school districts and the SDCOE.
As a San Diego County Teacher of the Year, Dr. Jeffers will now advance to represent the region in the California Teacher of the Year program. The announcement of the statewide honorees will come this fall.