Governor Kay Ivey highlighted Alabama's significant investments in education and teacher support during National Teacher Appreciation Month, emphasizing the lasting impact educators have on the state's future.
Throughout her nine years as governor, Ivey has prioritized elevating the quality of instruction, requesting teacher pay raises annually. Including a proposed two percent increase for the upcoming fiscal year, her administration will have boosted educator pay by 18.5 percent since she took office. Additionally, stipends have been introduced for hard-to-staff schools, certified academic language therapists, special education teachers, and speech pathologists.
Last year, Alabama passed its largest education budget in state history, and Governor Ivey signed the Alabama Public Employee Paid Parental Leave Act of 2025, granting up to eight weeks of paid parental leave for teachers. These investments have led to historic gains in college and career readiness, math recovery, and career and technical education pathways.
The National Council on Teacher Quality reported last summer that Alabama teachers ranked as the best prepared in the nation for improving elementary math instruction. Teachers also played a crucial role in the passage of the Focus Act, which removes distracting cell phones from classrooms, a measure hailed for boosting student engagement and learning.
Governor Ivey underscored the foundational role of educators, stating, "Our educators power every part of our society." She concluded by urging continuous celebration of teachers' dedication, asserting that "stronger teachers mean stronger students and a stronger Alabama!"