I Taught'em to Spell, Now Gimme the Wheels, Baby!

MORE COUNTY, Ala.- Deborah Stringfellow, a fourth-grade teacher at Airport Road Intermediate School, has been honored with the title of Alabama Teacher of the Year.

In addition to this prestigious recognition, Stringfellow was gifted the use of a brand-new Chevrolet Traverse for one year, courtesy of Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation. The presentation took place to the applause of hundreds of third and fourth graders. This tradition of providing a vehicle to the Teacher of the Year has been ongoing for 28 years.

“Teachers impact so many lives. I think all of us can probably think back to our school days and remember a teacher or two who was very important to us,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “As a Montgomery-based company, we were excited to learn this year’s Teacher of the Year is from the River Region. On behalf of everyone at Alfa and the Federation, I am pleased to offer the use of this vehicle to Ms. Stringfellow as she travels throughout the state this coming year.”

The Alabama State Department of Education, which annually selects the statewide Teacher of the Year, chose Stringfellow from 155 applicants for the 2024-25 school year.

“As the school year comes to an end, I have enjoyed preparing my students for the road ahead. Today, I am most grateful for the generosity of Alfa and the Farmers Federation as they prepare me for the road ahead as Alabama’s Teacher of the Year,” Stringfellow said. “I can’t wait to travel the state as I represent Alabama teachers throughout the academic year.”

During her tenure as Teacher of the Year, Stringfellow will serve as a full-time ambassador for education, presenting workshops, attending meetings, and advocating for the teaching profession across Alabama—all while driving her Alabama Teacher of the Year vehicle.

“What an honor it is to have a hand in the development of our nation’s most precious resources—students and teachers,” Stringfellow said. “I welcome the opportunity to impact a wider spectrum of teachers and students, and I look forward to each future speaking engagement as I strive to inspire others while celebrating the greatness of the teaching profession.”

Stringfellow is now Alabama’s official nominee for the National Teacher of the Year Program.