News Summary
Katie Collins, a first-grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary, has been awarded the Teacher of the Year honor in Alabama. Honored for her commitment to education and innovative teaching, she will serve as an ambassador for the profession while advocating for mental health and effective teaching strategies. Collins, with two decades of experience, has made significant contributions through programs like the Communities Family Literacy Program and project-based learning.
Hoover, Alabama – Katie Collins, a dedicated first-grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary School, has been honored as the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for the state of Alabama. The announcement was made during a formal ceremony held on May 7, 2025, where Collins was recognized for her remarkable contributions to education and her commitment to her students.
With 20 years of teaching experience, Collins began her journey in education in an unconventional way. As a child, she would teach lessons to her stuffed animals and her younger sister. This early passion for teaching has translated into a successful career, culminating in her receiving this prestigious accolade.
Collins is one of two finalists from the Birmingham area, with Aubrey Bennett from George Washington Carver High School in Birmingham being named the Alternate Teacher of the Year. The selection process was competitive, with Collins and Bennett chosen from a pool of 155 educators recommended by school district superintendents, principals, and colleagues.
As part of the recognition, Collins has been awarded a $5,000 cash prize and will serve as a full-time ambassador for the teaching profession throughout the upcoming school year. This role includes raising awareness about mental health and employing engaging teaching practices to inspire educators and students alike. Collins has expressed her intent to utilize this platform to advocate for effective teaching strategies and support the mental well-being of students.
Throughout her career, Collins has taught various subjects, including middle and high school French as well as English courses for both adults and children. At Bluff Park Elementary, she played an instrumental role in developing the Communities Family Literacy Program, which assists families of English learners in their educational journeys. Her innovative approach to education includes the implementation of project-based learning units, demonstrating her commitment to foster a passion for learning among her students.
Hoover City Schools have lauded Collins for her enthusiasm for education and her innovative teaching methods. Her focus on building strong relationships with students has been highlighted as a key factor in their overall success. This relational approach not only enhances the learning environment but also instills a sense of belonging among her students.
Aubrey Bennett, the Alternate Teacher of the Year, has contributed significantly to reducing chronic absenteeism within her school. With 11 years of experience teaching 12th-grade history, Bennett’s efforts have resulted in a remarkable 16 percentage-point drop in absentee rates within her district, showcasing her commitment to improving school attendance and engagement.
The Alabama Teacher of the Year recognition program, one of the oldest in the state, has a long-standing tradition of honoring outstanding teachers who demonstrate excellence in the profession. Alongside Collins and Bennett, a total of 16 finalists were celebrated for their exceptional impact on education and the lives of their students.
In her role as Teacher of the Year, Collins will compete in the National Teacher of the Year contest, presenting an opportunity to bring national attention to the teaching profession in Alabama. Her leadership and innovative strategies are expected to further promote effective educational practices throughout the state, benefiting both current and future generations of students.
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Additional Resources
- WVTM13
- Wikipedia: Teacher of the Year
- AL.com
- Google Search: Alabama Teacher of the Year
- Yellowhammer News
- Google Scholar: Educational Innovation
- Alabama News Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Hoover Sun
- Google News: Teacher Awards
