Katie Collins, a first-grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary School, recently received a significant accolade during a celebration rally, having been named Alabama’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-26.
The atmosphere was electric as students and colleagues shouted “Mrs. Collins!” while President Jimmy Parnell from Alpha Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation presented her with the keys to a new 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The federation will also cover the insurance for the vehicle.
“What an incredible honor to be here today. I’m truly thankful to Alpha for this amazing car,” Collins expressed. “I can just imagine my six-year-old self, who always dreamed of being a teacher, standing here proud as Alabama’s Teacher of the Year this year.”
This marks Alpha’s 29th year providing a vehicle for the Teacher of the Year, supporting their travel and outreach efforts.
“Educators at every level have a significant influence on students and their communities,” Parnell remarked. “I genuinely believe that if you pursue your passion and do it well, success will follow. That’s definitely true for this exceptional advocate of education.”
Collins has been in education for 20 years, teaching middle and high school French and English before coming to Bluff Park in 2017. She helped co-establish the Community Family Literacy Program, which started as a community initiative and has since expanded to support ESL families in Hoover City Schools.
Referring to her school as “the garden,” Collins commended her colleagues for their role in nurturing student growth alongside her.
“The children in our classrooms see this as a vital aspect of life and growth. Every moment spent cultivating this garden is crucial for the development that’s yet to come,” she noted. “We face challenges and difficult times, but despite the weeds of adversity, we still reap the rewards of our hard work.”
As Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, Collins will serve as an advocate for public education throughout the state, speaking at community events, conducting workshops, and sharing best practices. She aims to focus on mental health for students and creating classroom environments that foster independence and resilience.
“Student engagement is essential for a joyful learning experience,” Collins pointed out. “As Alabama’s Teacher of the Year for 2025-26, I’m committed to raising awareness around youth mental health and promoting best practices that empower independence. Equipping children to navigate both the real and virtual worlds is vital.”
This year, over 150 educators applied for recognition from the Alabama Department of Education (ALSDE). State Chief Dr. Eric McKee praised Collins as an exemplary educator.
“We take pleasure in celebrating the finest educators in our state and recognizing their commitment to teaching. She is a true champion for education and values instilling a love for learning in students from an early age. Hoover City Schools is fortunate to have such a high-caliber educator, as is the entire state of Alabama.”
Collins will represent Alabama in the National Teacher of the Year program, alongside Aubrey Bennett from Birmingham’s George Washington Carver High School, who will also take part in educational advocacy.
