Alfa Awards Spanish Fort Elementary Teacher With New Vehicle

By Brooke Foster
(334) 613-4722

Spanish Fort, Ala., May 19, 2026 - Spanish Fort Elementary students and staff celebrated a familiar face earlier today during a special assembly honoring special education teacher Elizabeth Eubanks Von Hofe, who was recently named 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 with keys to a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse during the program, which she will use as she promotes education across the state. This marks the 30^th 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 use of the vehicle to Von Hofe as she travels the state this coming year.

"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 means a lot, noting this feels like a full-circle moment.

"Alfa and the Alabama Farmers Federation have always been special to me - they've insured my family for generations," she said. "Since the 1830s when my family migrated here from North Carolina and Georgia, their roots were planted in the farmlands of Bibb County, Shelby County and Marshall County. My core childhood memories are from their farms. Just like farmers, educators are planting seeds every day to see them flourish. Sometimes we may not see the harvest, but the harvest carries on. And here I stand, 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, Alabama educators, Von Hofe is a second-career educator and has served as Special Education Department Chair / Teacher at Spanish Fort Elementary since 2021. She is responsible for developing alternate achievement lesson plans, designing multisensory instruction for students in kindergarten-sixth grades, and conducting 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 Alabama 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. This year is no exception," said Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey. "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 Teacher of the Year Program and will actively advocate for the profession alongside Alternate State Teacher of the Year Eshwaa Godfrey of Selma High School in Selma. Together, they will speak to civic and professional organizations, conduct workshops for teachers and write articles that promote education.

"Both are outstanding educators and exemplify classroom excellence," said Mackey. "They have dedicated their careers to inspiring our future generations, and we are thankful for their continued commitment to excellence and unwavering focus on preparing all students for a lifetime of success."

Alfa and its affiliates provide insurance for more than a million customers across 14 states. Learn more at AlfaInsurance.com.

View all event photos here.

View news reel here.