Dr. Andy Jackson, a 4th-grade teacher in the Pell City School System who was named Teacher of the Year on Thursday, will spend the next year on a fresh set of wheels courtesy of ALFA Insurance.

The company gifted Jackson with a new Chevrolet Traverse for use during the year he holds the title of Alabama’s top teacher. This year is ALFA’s 24th year of offering this perk.

“We’re proud to partner with the Alabama State Department of Education to offer a vehicle to our state’s Teacher of the Year,” ALFA Insurance President Jimmy Parnell said in a statement.

Jackson, who works at Eden Elementary School, is a National Board Certified Teacher who also has a background in special education.

In addition to being a beloved teacher, Jackson and his wife, Sheree, are foster parents who have adopted children.

“It is truly an honor to represent Alabama’s educators,” Jackson said in response to being named Teacher of the Year.

“The only thing constant in education, and often in life, is change. Education continues to evolve through research, technology, and resources. But, helping children learn and develop their own sense of individuality is still at the core of education. While there will always be challenges and growth opportunities in front of us, I am confident educators, families, and communities will continue to rise to those challenges for the benefit of all children across our state,” he added.

State Superintendent Eric Mackey said that Jackson “represents the essence of what a great educator is all about.”

Jackson will now serve as Alabama’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year.

In addition to the free car for a year, ALFA is also providing complimentary insurance coverage for the vehicle.

“I’m confident Dr. Jackson will make us all proud as he represents Alabama during this academic year,” Parnell concluded.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95