The Alabama Board of Education held a work session on October 1, 2025, focusing on key issues affecting local education agencies (LEAs) and the upcoming teacher of the year program. The meeting began with discussions about the participation of all LEAs in the teacher of the year selection process. Concerns were raised regarding whether all eligible teachers had the opportunity to be nominated, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder schools from participating fully.

A notable highlight was the recognition of the current teacher of the year, who hails from a high-poverty school in Jefferson County. Board members expressed enthusiasm for this selection, emphasizing the importance of showcasing excellence in challenging environments. The conversation shifted towards the need for budgetary support to ensure that schools can afford to replace teachers who are recognized as teacher of the year, thereby allowing them to serve as ambassadors for education without compromising classroom resources.

The board discussed the logistics of the teacher of the year program, including the timeline for the new teacher's term and the impact of COVID-19 on previous selections. It was suggested that the state should consider funding a teacher unit for the teacher of the year to alleviate financial burdens on schools and encourage participation.

Another significant topic was the upcoming summer reading camps and the need for timely access to ACAP reading scores to determine student eligibility. The board received updates on the validation process for these scores, with expectations that LEAs would have access to their data soon. The importance of early data release was underscored, as it would allow schools to make informed instructional decisions ahead of the summer camps.

The meeting also touched on the timeline for releasing ACAP scores for grades two through eight, as well as ACT and WorkKeys assessments. Board members expressed a desire for quicker turnaround times in the future, aiming for data availability by the end of the school year to facilitate better planning and support for students.

In conclusion, the work session highlighted the board's commitment to supporting teachers and students, addressing financial concerns, and improving data accessibility for educational decision-making. The discussions set the stage for future actions aimed at enhancing educational outcomes across Alabama's schools.