Bluff Park Elementary and Hoover City Schools
Bluff Park Elementary’s Katie Collins was recently named the 2025–2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year, a recognition that celebrates her two decades of dedication to education and her transformative impact on students, families, and fellow educators. Known for her creative teaching style and passion for student growth, Katie now steps into the role of statewide ambassador for public education.
A Lifelong Learner and Leader
With 20 years of experience spanning first grade to adult education, Katie has taught French, English as a Second Language (ESL), and elementary education across several schools in the Hoover City Schools system. Her career began at Thompson High School in 2005, but she found her home in elementary education after joining Bluff Park Elementary in 2017. There, she discovered her sweet spot.
An advocate for building strong relationships with her students, Katie believes connection is key. Each school year begins with a focus on community-building in her classroom, where she learns about her students’ interests, strengths, and needs. “They have to know that I really care about them,” says Katie.
Bluff Park Elementary and Hoover City Schools
Learning in Action
One of Katie’s most celebrated teaching strategies is her use of project-based learning, where students take ownership of their learning through hands-on experiences. A prime example is her first-grade class’s annual farmers market project. Students grow and sell plants, market their products through writing and videos, and track earnings with real-world math skills. Last year’s efforts raised $4,000 to support school initiatives, and Katie has also secured more than $70,000 in grants, including funding for Bluff Park’s greenhouse, helping to turn innovative classroom ideas into tangible learning experiences. “I believe student engagement is the heartbeat in the joy of learning,” she says. “I am passionate about designing dynamic cross-curricular lessons that both engage and empower every student to have a positive impact on the world.”
Bluff Park Elementary and Hoover City Schools
A Heart for Service
Beyond the classroom, Katie co-founded the Communities Family Literacy Program—a grassroots initiative that began when she and two colleagues noticed a gap in services for ESL families in Hoover. What started as a volunteer-led effort has grown into a fully funded program offering classes for both preschool children and their parents. It’s one of her proudest achievements and speaks to her belief in education as a powerful force for generational change.
Tackling Today’s Challenges
As Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, Katie will take a sabbatical to travel across the state, inspiring educators and promoting best practices. At the top of her agenda? Addressing the national mental health crisis among students. “As the 2025-2026 Alabama Teacher of the Year, I will work to raise more awareness about mental health among our youth and promote best practice solutions and independence-building classroom experiences,” she says. “It is critical that we provide children with the tools to navigate both the real and virtual worlds in a way that fosters resilience and overall well-being.”
To back her beliefs with action, Katie promotes two unique programs: Let Grow, which encourages children to take on independent tasks at home, and Let’s Play, which emphasizes physical play and problem-solving. As she embarks on her ambassadorial journey, one message rings loud and clear: Education is not just about academics—it’s about building capable, confident kids who are ready to change the world.
“Mrs. Collins is a teacher of many, not a teacher of few,” says a statement from Bluff Park Elementary. “Her influence reaches beyond her classroom and is felt around the whole school and community of Bluff Park. Mrs. Collins is innovative in her classroom, always thinking outside the box, and has a passion for serving our students and school. She dreams big by coming up with innovative ideas on how to enhance the curriculum and challenge her students. From hydroponics to the Bluff Park Farmers Market, you will find Mrs. Collins doing whatever is necessary for the success of others!”