News Summary
Aubrey Bennett has been named the Alternate Alabama Teacher of the Year, acknowledged for his dedication to educational excellence and student engagement at George Washington Carver High School. His impactful teaching in U.S. Government, Economics, and African American History, along with initiatives to reduce absenteeism and support student government involvement, highlights his commitment to fostering positive outcomes in education. The recognition ceremony honored Bennett alongside other distinguished educators, amplifying the importance of excellence within Alabama’s educational landscape.
Montgomery
Aubrey Bennett has been honored as the Alternate Alabama Teacher of the Year for the 2025-2026 academic year. The announcement was made on May 7, 2025, during the annual Teacher of the Year Reception held in Montgomery, Alabama. This recognition highlights Bennett’s commitment to educational excellence and his impactful contributions to his students and the broader community.
The Alabama Teacher of the Year program, administered by the Alabama Department of Education, seeks to recognize and honor educators who demonstrate outstanding instructional practices and make significant differences in their students’ lives. Bennett, a 12th-grade teacher at George Washington Carver High School in Birmingham, has dedicated 17 years to education, with the last 11 years serving at Carver High School.
In his teaching role, Bennett instructs students in subjects including U.S. Government, Economics, and Advanced Placement African American History. His expertise not only enhances his students’ academic experience but also fosters a deeper understanding of critical societal issues. Additionally, Bennett is the sponsor of the Student Government Association at Carver, further demonstrating his leadership and commitment to student engagement.
As the school’s Attendance Liaison, Bennett has initiated programs aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism, focusing on increasing student participation through various monthly events. These initiatives have proven successful and reflect his dedication to the educational and personal growth of his students.
Bennett’s previous accolades include being named Birmingham City Schools’ Secondary Teacher of the Year, a distinction that acknowledges his excellence in teaching and positive influence on students. His dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed, with notable recognition from fellow educators and administrators.
Dr. Mark Sullivan, the Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, has recognized Bennett’s unwavering commitment to both his students and the community. This affirmation solidifies Bennett’s status as a prominent figure in the field of education. Additionally, Student Government President Jacob Woods acknowledged Bennett’s enduring influence on students’ lives both inside and outside the classroom.
At the Teacher of the Year Reception, Katie Collins, a teacher from Bluff Park Elementary School in Hoover, was named the Alabama Teacher of the Year for the same academic year. With two decades of teaching experience, Collins created the Communities Family Literacy Program, aimed at supporting English as a Second Language (ESL) families within her school system. Both educators embody the highest levels of professionalism and dedication within the teaching profession.
The prestigious announcement ceremony took place at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, bringing together educators from across the state to honor teaching excellence. According to Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey, both Bennett and Collins exemplify outstanding professionalism in their educational practices, which greatly benefits their students and communities.
The recognition of educators such as Aubrey Bennett not only celebrates their individual achievements but also serves to inspire fellow teachers within Alabama’s educational system. By highlighting their contributions, the Alabama Teacher of the Year program continues to promote a culture of excellence in the classroom.
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now
- Birmingham Times
- WVTM 13
- AL.com
- WBRC
- Wikipedia: Aubrey Bennett
- Google Search: Alabama Teacher of the Year
- Google Scholar: Aubrey Bennett
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in Alabama
- Google News: Aubrey Bennett
