South Alabama to Celebrate Educators During Extra Yard for Teachers Week
Posted on August 26, 2026
The University of South Alabama College of Education and Professional Studies, in partnership with South Alabama Athletics and the Sun Belt Conference, will celebrate educators who inspire students and strengthen communities during Extra Yard for Teachers Week, Sept. 12–19. The weeklong celebration will recognize teachers through classroom support opportunities, a surprise school pep rally and a special game-day celebration when the South Alabama Jaguars take on Ohio on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
“For 60 years, the College of Education and Professional Studies has been preparing educators who change lives in classrooms and communities across our region and beyond,” said Dr. Angela T. Barlow, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “Extra Yard for Teachers gives us an opportunity to celebrate the people carrying that legacy forward every day and to remind them that their work is seen, valued and deeply appreciated.”
Big Reveal Pep Rally
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, one deserving school will receive a surprise visit from South Alabama football players, cheerleaders, the Jags Pep Band and mascots during the Extra Yard for Teachers Big Reveal Pep Rally. The celebration will include a $1,000 classroom grant for the selected school and a $100 classroom supply award for one educator, along with a pep rally for students, faculty and staff.
Extra Yard for Teachers Game Day
The celebration continues Saturday, Sept. 19, when South Alabama hosts Ohio at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Educators will receive one complimentary game ticket, with $15 discounted tickets available for family and friends using the designated promotional code.
"Teachers make an impact that reaches far beyond the classroom, and we are excited to recognize the difference they make in the lives of students and throughout our communities," said Dr. Daniel McCarthy, director of athletics at South Alabama. "My mom spent more than 30 years teaching high school English, so I’ve seen firsthand the commitment teachers make to enhance the lives of others. Extra Yard for Teachers gives Jaguar Athletics an opportunity to celebrate that commitment and give educators the recognition they deserve as part of the South Alabama game-day experience.”
Before kickoff, educators are invited to the free Extra Yard for Teachers Tailgate, hosted by the College of Education and Professional Studies, AMSTI and the South Alabama Research and Inservice Center. The celebration will include giveaways, Jaguar swag and opportunities for educators to connect before the game. The tailgate begins 2.5 hours before kickoff. Teachers will also receive special recognition during the game for the important role they play in educating and preparing the next generation.
Supporting Classrooms
Extra Yard for Teachers Week will also provide opportunities to directly support educators and their classrooms through an Amazon Classroom Wish List Giveaway. Educators attending the Sept. 19 game can enter the drawing at the College of Education and Professional Studies tailgate or at the Fan Engagement Table near Gates 2 and 3 inside Hancock Whitney Stadium. The first 250 educators who register for the Amazon Wish List Drawing at the Fan Engagement Table will also receive a special bag. Community members can also nominate an educator who has made a meaningful difference in the lives of students for recognition during Extra Yard for Teachers Week.
Visit southalabama.edu/extrayardforteachers for event details, teacher nominations and game-day ticket information.
