BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama’s new Teacher of the Year, Elizabeth Eubanks Von Hofe, received the keys to a new car this week during a special assembly at Spanish Fort Elementary School.
She will drive the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse to promote education across the state during the coming year.
“Thirty years ago this week, I walked across my own high school graduation stage, never dreaming I’d be standing here as a teacher,” said Von Hofe, a special education teacher.
“I couldn’t be prouder to represent this state that educated me, and I couldn’t be prouder of these students who show what true inclusion is.”
As the school’s special education department chair, Von Hofe develops lesson plans, designs multisensory instruction for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, conducts functional behavior assessments and creates intervention plans for students.
“We’re all put here for a purpose,” Von Hofe said. “God chose me to be here today, and I could not be more honored to get in that car, drive across this great state that raised my family and the generations before me, and share the message of true public education — every child, every chance, every day.”
Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell presented the keys to Von Hofe, praising her as “an outstanding advocate for education” and saying her work helps students of all abilities feel they belong.
Von Hofe, the daughter of two Limestone County educators, said the presentation connected her family’s farming roots with her work as a teacher.
“Since the 1830s, when my family migrated here from North Carolina and Georgia, their roots were planted in the farmlands of Bibb County, Shelby County and Marshall County,” she said. “My core childhood memories are from their farms. Just like farmers, educators are planting seeds every day to see them flourish.
“Sometimes we may not see the harvest, but the harvest carries on. And here I stand, seven generations later, standing before you as Alabama Teacher of the Year.”
As Teacher of the Year, Von Hofe is Alabama’s official nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program.
Alabama Superintendent Eric Mackey said Von Hofe and Alabama Alternate Teacher of the Year Eshwaa Godfrey of Selma High School are outstanding educators.
“They have dedicated their careers to inspiring our future generations, and we are thankful for their continued commitment to excellence and unwavering focus on preparing all students for a lifetime of success,” Mackey said.
During the 2026-27 school year, Von Hofe and Godfrey will serve as advocates for the teaching profession, speaking to civic and professional organizations and conducting workshops for teachers.