News TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECEIVES NEW CAR FROM ALFA

TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECEIVES NEW CAR FROM ALFA

TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECEIVES NEW CAR FROM ALFA
June 22, 2009 |

Alabama’s 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year, Yung Thi Bui-Kincer, a teacher at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in the Montgomery County School System, received a year’s use of a new automobile, courtesy of Alfa Insurance Co. and the Alabama Farmers Federation during a ceremony at the Alfa home office in Montgomery May 14.Jerry A. Newby, president of Alfa and the Federation, presented Kincer the keys to a 2009 Chevrolet Impala as part of her award for being named the state’s top teacher.State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joseph B. Morton made the announcement of Alabama’s Teacher of the Year during a reception May 13 that honored 16 district finalists. Kincer is a teacher of anatomy, biology and environmental science for 11th-12th-graders. She graduated from Auburn University Montgomery with a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree in education.Kincer is a refugee from the Vietnam War, giving her a uniquely appreciative perspective on education.In Vietnam, “education is a sacred privilege,” she said. After moving to the United States when she was six years old, Kincer found a saving grace among the educators who helped to shape her young mind.Newby praised Kincer for inspiring her students to work hard no matter what challenges they face.”Throughout her life, she has faced many challenges,” Newby said of Kincer. “As a teacher, overcoming those challenges has allowed her to demonstrate to her students that they can overcome many obstacles if they work hard and are determined. As Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, she will have the opportunity to inspire thousands of teachers, parents and community leaders as she serves as an ambassador for education. We are pleased to present her an automobile to use for the next year as she travels throughout Alabama sharing her ideas and teaching philosophy. Alfa and the Alabama Farmers Federation appreciate the important role Ms. Kincer, and all teachers, play in the lives of our children.”Morton praised Alfa’s contributions to the Teacher of the Year Program.”For years, Alfa Insurance has shared our vision of acknowledging and celebrating the best and brightest in Alabama education,” Morton said.”Alfa’s commitment to supporting the Alabama Teacher of the Year program has been unwavering and, as always, is greatly appreciated. This year, as in years past, Alfa continues to express its support for those who inspire learning, spark imaginations and ultimately mold the minds that will carry Alabama forward.”This is the 13th year Alfa has presented an automobile to the state Teacher of the Year. During the presentation, Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Mike Kilgore announced the continuation of the Alfa Teacher of the Month program, a separate program from the Teacher of the Year, with the monthly winner receiving $1,000 and his or her school receiving $1,000.The most recent pledge to support the monthly awards brings the total to more than $300,000 that Alfa and the Alabama Farmers Federation have provided in cash awards to deserving teachers, principals and schools as part of the Teacher of the Month program.Kincer 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. She automatically becomes the state’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year.

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