BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — “Strong students lead to a strong Alabama.”

That’s the message Gov. Kay Ivey is sending to the hundreds of thousands of students heading back to school across the state this week.

In a back-to-school video posted on social media, Ivey challenged students to embrace the new academic year with courage and purpose: “Be bold enough to raise your hand. Be kind enough to lift someone up. Be brave enough to fail, then try again.”

Ivey, who has made improving K-12 education a central part of her administration since taking office in 2017, often highlights her early career as a teacher when speaking to students.

“Believe it or not, I’ve been in your shoes – as a student and later as a teacher,” she said. “And I know that what happens in the classroom can shape the path ahead.

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