By Melissa Martin

Spanish Fort Elementary students and staff celebrated a familiar face May 19 during an assembly honoring special education teacher Elizabeth Eubanks Von Hofe, Alabama’s 2026-27 Teacher of the Year.

Gleeful cheers and roars of applause echoed through the gymnasium as Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell presented Von Hofe keys to a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse during the program, which she will use as she promotes education across the state. This marks the 30th year Alfa has provided the year’s use of a new vehicle to Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, while the Federation covers the cost of insurance.

“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. “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. We’re all put here for a purpose. 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.”

Parnell said he was pleased to offer the vehicle to Von Hofe. 

“Teachers across all school levels have a tremendous impact on their students and the communities they serve,” said Parnell. “Mrs. Von Hofe is an outstanding advocate for education and ensures all students, regardless of ability, have the tools they need to succeed. I believe special education teachers are called to serve others, and her drive to create a sense of belonging for students with special needs only reinforces that belief. We applaud and admire her commitment.”   

Von Hofe said Alfa’s support feels full circle. 

“Alfa and the Alabama Farmers Federation have always been special to me,” she said. “They’ve insured my family for generations. Since the 1830s when my family migrated here from North Carolina and Georgia, their roots were planted in the farmlands of Bibb, Marshall and Shelby counties. My core childhood memories are from their farms. Just like farmers, educators are planting seeds every day to see them flourish. We may not see the harvest, but the harvest carries on. And here I am, seven generations later, standing before you as Alabama Teacher of the Year. This is truly an honor, and I hope I represent you well.” 

The daughter of two Limestone County teachers, Von Hofe is a second-career educator and has served as Special Education Department chair and teacher at Spanish Fort Elementary since 2021. She develops alternate achievement lesson plans, designs multi-sensory instruction for students in kindergarten through sixth grades, and conducts functional behavioral assessments and intervention plans for students. Additionally, she collects data, assesses eligibility and creates IEPs for students with diverse cognitive, behavioral and socio-emotional deficits. In her previous professional life, Von Hofe was a licensed nursing home and hospice administrator. She and husband Desmond have two sons, Bryant and Garrett.

The Teacher of the Year Program is administered through the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), which received 155 applications for the 2026-27 award.

“Alabama boasts thousands of educators, and it’s always a highlight of our year to celebrate the state’s top teacher,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey. “This year is no exception. Elizabeth Von Hofe is everything you want in an educator — driven, resourceful and caring. We’re so proud to have her represent Alabama within the state and across the country.”  

As the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year, Von Hofe will serve as the state’s official ambassador for public education and the teaching profession during the next academic year. As Alabama’s winner, she is the state’s official nominee for the national award and will actively advocate for the profession alongside Alternate State Teacher of the Year Eshwaa Godfrey of Selma High School in Selma.