Purdue Global alum recognized with Alabama teacher award

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Global alumnus and Selma High School educator Eshwaa Godfrey has been named the Alabama Alternate Teacher of the Year.

Godfrey, who earned two degrees from Purdue Global — a Master of Science in education in 2017 and a Master of Science in health education in 2020 — has spent his entire 13-year teaching career with Selma City Schools, where he currently teaches anatomy and physiology. Godfrey is the first educator from Selma to have been awarded this honor.

“Receiving this recognition was overwhelming, humbling and exciting all at the same time,” Godfrey said. “To know that my work of the past 13 years serving students, creating opportunities and representing Selma was being recognized at the state level was truly special. I am extremely grateful to Selma City Schools, my students, my colleagues, my principal and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.”

Godfrey was selected from a field of more than 150 educators across the state and was formally recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education at the 2026 MEGA Conference in Mobile, Alabama, in July.

“For me, this recognition is bigger than an individual award,” Godfrey said. “It represents what is possible when you remain committed to your students, your school and your community.”

Godfrey said his experience at Purdue Global helped prepare him for the success he is achieving, specifically noting that the work of Margaret Green, a career specialist in the Center for Career Advancement, played an important role in his professional development.

“She consistently kept me informed about opportunities that allowed me to build my résumé and expand my experiences beyond the classroom,” Godfrey said. “Her guidance helped me identify opportunities to showcase my talents, grow professionally and position myself for success after graduation.”

Green shared similarly high sentiments about Godfrey.

“Eshwaa was highly motivated, organized and intentional about his career development,” Green said. “He didn’t wait for opportunities to come to him; he was eager to seek out hands-on challenges, broaden his skill set and prepare himself for success after graduation.”