Academic Growth and Achievement
Emphasizing improvements in reading and mathematics, this priority aims to enhance student outcomes by providing high-quality standards, professional development, and resources to support local schools.
Your pathway to meaningful opportunities in teaching, support roles, administration, and more.
1,501
Total Public Schools
751,770
Alabama Students
48,670
Alabama Educators
98,740
Total Personnel
The motto "Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day" encapsulates the philosophy of the Alabama State Department of Education, emphasizing the commitment to providing over 750,000 children with opportunities for success in school and life. The goal is to empower students from kindergarten through 12th grade by offering a rigorous and challenging curriculum, personalized learning, and support for literacy and numeracy. The Alabama State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting schools and teachers to create safe and effective learning environments.
Join us in shaping the future of Alabama by inspiring and empowering students through education. Discover a rewarding career where your passion can make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities across the state.
Alabama's Strategy to Address Challenges – Five Key Priorities
Emphasizing improvements in reading and mathematics, this priority aims to enhance student outcomes by providing high-quality standards, professional development, and resources to support local schools.
This priority focuses on creating safe and supportive conditions that address the needs of all students, ensuring optimal learning environments across the state.
Acknowledging the current educator workforce shortage, this priority aims to ensure schools are staffed with highly effective teachers by improving traditional educator preparation programs and exploring new recruitment and development methods.
Internally focused, this priority aims to make the Alabama State Department of Education more efficient and responsive, providing reliable services to citizens, state leaders, and local education agencies.
This priority seeks to prepare students for success in college, careers, or the workforce through relevant instruction, professional development, and partnerships, expanding opportunities statewide.
Exploring Pay Advancement and Loan Forgiveness Opportunities
All students deserve accomplished teachers. National Board Certification recognizes these educators while driving continuous improvement in schools nationwide. Learn how you can become National Board Certified.
TEAMS contracts are opportunities for certified educators employed on a full-time basis in Math, Science and Computer Science to receive additional pay.
Loan forgiveness programs for teachers are designed to alleviate the financial burden of student loans while encouraging individuals to enter and stay in the teaching profession.
With over forty years of teaching experience, I can tell you that teaching is far more than a career—it’s a purposedriven journey that allows you to shape lives and foster a lifelong love of learning. It’s about believing in the potential of every child and creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, perseverance is championed, and challenges become opportunities.
As someone who has cherished the privilege of inspiring and educating both students and colleagues, I’ve found immense satisfaction in the daily victories of this profession. Teaching offers the rare opportunity to leave a lasting mark on hearts and minds, creating a ripple effect that transforms individuals and communities. If you’re ready to inspire, lead, and grow, teaching is a path that promises purpose, fulfillment, and the power to change lives.
Deborah Stringfellow
2025 Alabama
Teacher of the Year
