BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama on Tuesday named the state’s “Sweet 16” finalists for the 2026-27 Alabama Teacher of the Year, narrowing the field from more than 155 educators who applied for the state’s top teaching honor.
The annual program, one of the state’s oldest education awards, recognizes teachers who promote excellence in the classroom and inspire students to become lifelong learners.
Alabama’s current Teacher of the Year Katie Collins, who is also one of five finalists for National Teacher of the Year, congratulated the finalists, saying, “They all personify excellence, classroom leadership, and represent the great dedication and commitment required to become an outstanding teacher.”
The educator chosen as Alabama Teacher of the Year will spend the school year serving full time as an ambassador for education and the teaching profession.
Alabama’s winner also goes on to compete in the National Teacher of the Year program, which is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers, with Google for Education as the lead sponsor.
The top four finalists soon will be selected from the group of 16, and the 2026-27 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced in May.
The finalists are listed below by the state board district where they teach.
District I
- Elizabeth Eubanks Von Hofe – Baldwin County – Spanish Fort Elementary School, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Courtney Amanda Davidson – Coffee County – Zion Chapel High School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
District II
- Jessica Freeman – Dothan City – Carver School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Kelly Sasser – Phenix City – Central High School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
District III
- Katie Smith – Vestavia Hills City – Vestavia Hills Elementary East, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Hannah Peterson – Vestavia Hills City – Vestavia Hills High School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
District IV
- Kathryn Ann Busby – Tuscaloosa City – Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools-Elementary, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- John David Booth – Tuscaloosa County – Echols Middle School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
District V
- Jennifer Ann Asberry – Mobile County – Council Traditional School, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Eshwaa Godfrey – Selma City – Selma High School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
District VI
- Lacy Cameron – Cullman City – East Elementary School, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Morgan Brooks – Albertville City – Albertville High School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
District VII
- Amanda Green – Florence City – Harlan Elementary School, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Joseph T. Elliott – Sheffield City – Sheffield Jr. High School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
District VIII
- Lindy Vizzinia – Fort Payne City – Wills Valley Elementary School, Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Michael C. Fabbri May – Athens City – Athens High School, Secondary Teacher of the Year
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