BIRMINGHAM, AL—May 21, 2026— AmFirst, in collaboration with the Children’s of Alabama INDY Grand Prix, has named Rebecca Smith of Shades Cahaba Elementary School as the 2026 Educator Champion of the Year. Smith received a $5,000 grant to invest in technology and classroom materials that will benefit students across Homewood City Schools for years to come.
The Educator Champion of the Year award recognizes outstanding teachers who go above and beyond for their students. The initiative celebrates the critical role educators play in the Birmingham area and equips them with resources to further enhance their classrooms. To be eligible, nominees had to teach in select Alabama counties and be nominated by a student, parent, or fellow educator.
“Mrs. Smith is truly an educator champion,” said Jody Mattson, AmFirst’s Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement. “Not only is she humble, but she wants the very best for her students and her fellow teachers. That’s exactly what you hope to see in an educator.”
Smith plans to carefully research how to make the most meaningful impact with her grant.
“I don’t want to spend it on simple school supplies, so I’m really looking into ways that I can use it to benefit future classrooms,” said Smith. “I’ve talked with my technology specialist to see if she has learned about great new products I should try out.”
Smith credits her former mentors and colleagues in education for supporting her growth as a teacher. She also recognizes the influence of her family and early educators. “My parents, first and foremost, prioritized education for me and still support me every year — they’re in my classroom each August helping me set up,” Smith said. “I’m grateful for the inspiring teachers I had from pre-K through college, my first principal, Sue Grogan, who gave me an opportunity and helped me grow, and my incredible fourth-grade teammates and friends in the profession who encourage and inspire me every day.”
“We teachers never entered the profession to get recognized, but it is a true gift when we do,” she said. “I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and this recognition.”
For more information on AmFirst’s community engagement efforts, visit https://www.amfirst.org/news/.
