By Hazel Scott/ASU
There are educators who teach lessons, and then there are educators who impart lessons into the lives of the students they serve. Eshwaa Godfrey certainly exemplifies both categories of educators. A graduate of Alabama State University and a teacher at Selma High School, Godfrey is proving that true leadership is not simply about the position one holds—it is about the lives one touches.
Godfrey has been selected as the Alternate Alabama Teacher of the Year for the 2026–2027 academic year, an extraordinary recognition of his commitment to students, education and the Selma community. Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey announced the honor during a special ceremony at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
“When I heard I was selected I was excited and nervous at the same time because I didn’t know what came with being the Alternate Alabama Teacher of the Year,” he said.
In this role, Godfrey will represent teachers across the state by attending statewide events and making presentations.
The recognition comes after Godfrey advanced to the state’s top tier of educators, emerging from more than 155 applicants to earn the prestigious honor. He was previously named District V Secondary Teacher of the Year and selected as one of the state’s “Sweet 16” finalists.
Godfrey’s work in anatomy and physiology reflects a commitment that goes beyond the classroom. His students experience firsthand an educator who believes that education is about possibility—helping young people recognize their potential and encouraging them to pursue excellence.
That influence also extends beyond his classroom. A former Alabama State University cheerleader, Godfrey returned to his alma mater to serve as a cheerleading coach, demonstrating that his connection to the Hornets is more than a chapter in his college story. It is a continuing commitment to leadership, mentorship and service.
Godfrey's story is a reminder that influential leaders do not always seek the spotlight. Often, they earn recognition by consistently investing in others.
His accomplishment is also a source of pride for Alabama State University. The University helped cultivate an alumnus who is now making a meaningful impact in education and in his community. Recognizing Godfrey is therefore more than celebrating an individual award; it is an opportunity to celebrate the values of service, leadership, perseverance, and excellence that alumni can carry from the classroom into the world.
Godfrey's achievement sends an important message to current and future Hornets: We build a foundation for student success as strong as our Hornet pride, equipping students with the skills and disciplines to succeed in the classroom, on the field and in the future events.
“Where you begin does not define the limits of where you can go. Excellence can emerge from a classroom, a coaching position, a school hallway or a community—and when that excellence is rooted in service to others, its influence can reach far beyond one person,” said Shani Crayton, executive director of Marketing and Strategic Communication.
Selma celebrates a teacher. Alabama celebrates an exceptional educator. And Alabama State University has another reason to celebrate one of its own.