Progress in education pays off for Alabama
Public education is powered by dedicated educators who believe in Alabama’s children — from the classroom teacher helping a student discover a love of reading, to the bus driver ensuring children arrive safely each morning, to the cafeteria worker providing a warm meal, to the administrator guiding an entire school community, This year, we have even more reason to celebrate.
Over the past several years, Alabama has made meaningful and measurable strides in education. Student achievement is improving, workforce pathways are expanding, and schools across our state are benefiting from investments that are finally beginning to match the enormous expectations we place on public education.
These successes did not happen by accident. They happened because educators continued showing up for students, and because leaders in Montgomery — Republicans and Democrats alike — chose collaboration over division to support Alabama’s schools.
At the Alabama Education Association, we represent every corner of the education profession. We represent teachers, bus drivers, school counselors, cafeteria workers, custodians, paraprofessionals, administrators, and countless others who make our schools function every day. Too often, conversations about education focus on one role while overlooking the many people required to create a successful learning environment. The truth is simple: Every adult in a school building contributes to a child’s educational experience.
A student cannot learn effectively if they are worried about getting to school safely. They cannot focus in class if they are hungry. They cannot thrive without clean classrooms, supportive staff, and strong leadership. Public education works because it is a team effort.
That is why the investments Alabama has made in education matter so deeply.
Recently, Gov. Kay Ivey highlighted just how far Alabama schools have come.
In 2017, Alabama ranked 52nd in fourth grade math and 49th in fourth grade reading nationally. Today, Alabama ranks 32nd in fourth grade math and 34th in reading, while leading the nation in math recovery and ranking third nationally in reading recovery.
Alabama also now boasts one of the highest high school graduation rates in the country at 92%, while the state’s College and Career Readiness Rate has climbed to a record 88%.
Those numbers represent more than statistics on a page. They represent educators building academic confidence, students mastering skills that prepare them for future careers, and families seeing greater opportunities for the next generation.
These improvements are the result of sustained work from educators and meaningful investments from state leaders. Lawmakers from both parties came together to increase support for your local schools, improve educator pay, expand workforce development opportunities, and strengthen literacy and numeracy efforts across Alabama. Teachers in Alabama have now seen nearly a 20% pay increase during Gov. Ivey’s administration, a recognition that is attracting and retaining quality educators.
Alabama has shown that when leaders keep students at the center of the conversation, meaningful progress is possible. Educators, parents, community leaders, and lawmakers can work together to build stronger schools and brighter futures.
The good news is Alabama is moving in the right direction.
We are seeing greater recognition of the role educators play in economic development and workforce readiness. Businesses considering investments in Alabama look first at the strength of local schools and communities. Families deciding where to live consider the quality of public education. Simply put, investing in schools is investing in Alabama’s future prosperity.
Alabama’s future depends on continuing the spirit of cooperation we have seen in recent years. Education should never be viewed as a partisan issue. Every legislator represents countless students, parents, and educators in their districts. The progress Alabama has achieved proves bipartisan leadership can make a real difference in the lives of children.
Because of educators, families, and leaders willing to work together, Alabama’s best days in education are still ahead of us.
Amy Marlowe is the executive director of the Alabama Education Association.
