Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, Ann Marie Corgill, received a year’s use of a new automobile from Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation. The fourth-grade teacher from Cherokee Bend Elementary School in Mountain Brook received keys to a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse during a ceremony at the Alfa home office in Montgomery May 15.

Alfa and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Alfa is pleased to help honor and recognize Alabama’s Teacher of the Year for the 18th straight year.

“Ms. Corgill will inspire thousands of teachers, parents and community leaders while traveling across the state this year serving as Alabama’s ambassador for education,” Parnell said. “Alfa and the Alabama Farmers Federation appreciate the important role she and all teachers play in the lives of our children.”

Parnell also announced insurance for the Teacher of the Year car would be paid for by the Alabama Farmers Federation.

State Superintendent of Education Thomas R. Bice, PhD., made the announcement of Alabama’s Teacher of the Year during a ceremony May 14 honoring the final four candidates for the award.

Bice praised Alfa’s support of the Teacher of the Year Program, noting the company supports education in many ways, including the Teacher of the Year award, the Career Tech Initiative and scholarship programs.

“Alfa’s contribution of the use of a car for a year is a tremendous gift to our Teacher of the Year as she travels our state promoting public education,” Bice said.

Corgill said she never expected to receive the award, but she was extremely honored by the recognition.

“I want to thank Alfa for your support of teachers across the state,” Corgill said. “I know you care mostly about the kids and their future successes. I thank you for the opportunity to be here, the gifts you’ve given us and for all you’ve done for Alabama students.”

Corgill received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Alabama. She originally set out to design and build homes but instead opted to create and construct foundations for students to be successful.

“Day after day, year after year, I realize that my job is not simply about teaching but reaching students by learning about them, honoring their passions, helping them overcome obstacles, and building foundations so they can achieve their goals, both as learners and people,” Corgill said.

During the presentation, Parnell also announced a new scholarship program where Alfa Insurance will award $50,000 in scholarships for students at Alabama colleges, universities and technical schools.

Corgill will spend the majority of the school year serving as the state spokesperson for education, presenting workshops, speaking to various groups and representing education and the teaching profession. 

By winning Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, she automatically becomes the state’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year.