A Spanish Fort elementary school special education teacher was named Alabama's 2026-27 Teacher of the Year, receiving statewide recognition, a new vehicle, and an opportunity to visit schools in other counties.
) - A Spanish Fort elementary special education teacher has been named Alabama ’s 2026–27 Teacher of the Year, earning statewide recognition and a brand-new vehicle as part of the honor.
The announcement Tuesday drew cheers inside the gym at Spanish Fort Elementary, where students, educators and community members gathered to celebrate Elizabeth Von Hofe, a self-contained classroom teacher in Baldwin County.
“There is a purpose for every human on this planet—and that’s my goal,” Von Hofe said after the ceremony. Von Hofe said she is honored to represent educators across Alabama, noting both her family’s deep ties to education in the state and her opportunity to visit schools in other counties as part of her new role.
“I am truly blessed to represent a whole lot of great educators and great communities across the state,” she said. “I look forward to traveling the state and seeing some of the counties that have educated my family. I’ve had seven generations of my family educated in this state. ” State education leaders, school officials and representatives from Alfa Insurance attended the celebration.
As part of the award presentation, Von Hofe received a new sport utility vehicle that she will be able to drive for one year, with insurance covered. School leaders describe Von Hofe’s classroom as a place where students are supported academically and emotionally, saying she creates an environment where children feel seen and encouraged to succeed. Von Hofe entered education after years in healthcare management and time as a stay-at-home mother.
She later returned to school, earning a master’s degree in education at age 42.
“I went back to school, got my Master of Education at 42 years old,” she said. “Here we are—National Board Certified and Teacher of the Year in five years. It’s phenomenal. Maybe I’m the testimony that there are other people in careers that can educate our students and we need educators.
Don’t think you’re too old to find something new—you can teach an old dog new tricks. Standing here as Teacher of the Year is a blessing to me. ” Von Hofe will now compete for National Teacher of the Year and take part in professional development opportunities, including leading workshops for academic groups at the local and national level.
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Teaching Special Education Alabama Spanish Fort Teacher Of The Year Baldwin County Elizabeth Von Hofe Family's Education Ties Traveling The State Nationally Board Certified
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