Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday kicked off the annual Thank Alabama Teachers observance to honor Alabama’s K-12 educators. Governor Ivey, at the commencement, announced that she is officially declaring November as Thank Alabama Teachers Month.
The Thank Alabama Teachers initiative was created in 2020 to demonstrate gratitude in ample ways for the role Alabama teachers play in every facet of their students’ lives. Gov. Ivey was joined by Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey at Carver High School for the event.
“As someone whose career began in the classroom, I know the important work our teachers do on a daily basis,” Ivey said on Twitter. “Our educators are truly shaping the future – the future of AL & our nation!”
The Governor asked that Alabamians show their support for teachers by visiting the website.
The website both thanks Alabama teachers for their contributions to Alabama society but also encourages more people to enter the profession.
“You could qualify for $17,500 or more in student loan forgiveness,” the site explains to prospective teachers. “Teachers in a low-income school or educational organizations having taught full time for at least five consecutive years, learn more here. Additionally, if you are teaching or plan to teach math or science, the Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) is a loan repayment program for you.”
Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said on social media, “This morning, we kicked off #ThankALTeachers month with a press conference & proclamation from @GovernorKayIvey. Teachers truly make a difference in the lives of our students & we want everyone to let teachers know they are appreciated.”
Gov. Ivey also issued a proclamation thanking teachers and declaring November as Thank Alabama Teachers Month.
Education and the state’s long track record of underperforming in education is a major issue confronting the State Legislature in the next four years. There is growing pressure to respond by dramatically increasing school choice across Alabama. Any effort to increase options for families will be strongly opposed by teacher’s unions as well as the Alabama State Superintendents Association.
Ivey was elevated to governor in 2017 and then elected to her own term in 2018. She is seeking a second term. On Tuesday, she faces Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake and Democratic nominee Yolanda Flowers in the November 8 general election.
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