Table Rock’s Morgan named Teacher of the Year

Burke County Public Schools has named Table Rock Middle School eighth-grade math teacher Jonathan Morgan as the district’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year. Morgan is a native of Morganton and graduated from Patton High School. He attended Western Piedmont Community College and went on to graduate from Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s of science in education.

He first taught math at East Burke Middle School starting in 2018 before moving to Table Rock Middle School in 2023. In addition to teaching, he coaches baseball and drives a bus.

Reflecting on his teaching career, Morgan says his classroom has become increasingly student-centered, with a focus on small-group instruction that gives students greater ownership of their learning.

In his classroom, students often stand and work in small groups, which is an approach he says helps “reset their brains” by getting them up, moving and re-engaged. He emphasizes the importance of establishing procedures, routines and relationships early in the school year. With that foundation in place, students begin to take responsibility for their own learning, which is his ultimate goal as an educator.

For first-year teachers, Morgan offers simple but powerful advice: trust the process. Not every strategy will work, even years into the profession. The key, he said, is to reflect, adjust and keep trying while holding onto what works and learning from what doesn’t.

Morgan also believes self-paced learning helps middle school students develop critical time management skills. While some students may need occasional guidance, the approach encourages reflection and shifts the focus from teacher instruction to student learning.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan said, “Mr. Morgan represents the very best of Burke County Public Schools. His commitment to student-centered learning, high expectations and meaningful relationships is exactly what we strive for in every classroom. He is not only teaching math, but he is also building confident, independent learners who are prepared for whatever comes next.”

Table Rock Principal Tosha Haskins said, “Mr. Morgan has a unique ability to connect with students and create a classroom where they feel both challenged and supported. His focus on ownership, routines and relationships has transformed the learning experience for our students. We are incredibly proud to have him represent Burke County Public Schools and Table Rock Middle School as Teacher of the Year.”

Morgan and his wife, Sara, have two young sons, Malachi and Levi. Outside the classroom, he enjoys grilling, barbecuing, and working at Silver Creek Golf Course during the summer. He also serves as a Sunday school teacher, where he spends time studying and preparing lessons.

He says relationships are at the heart of his work. “Relationships matter,” Morgan said. “Building connections with colleagues, students and the community is everything.”

A product of Burke County Public Schools, Morgan attended Salem Elementary, Liberty Middle, and Patton High, where he played football and baseball and sang in the Chamber Singers. He credits a number of Burke County Public Schools teachers and coaches for shaping his path, including Melissa Causby, Misty Acord, Lori Benton, Tim and Angela Barnsback, Jonathan and Greta Browning, Gary Hamilton, David Waters, Shane Parker, Rachel Sossoman, Coach JK Adkins, Coach Joe Glass, and the late Coach Chris Deal.