Every day is a game day for Teachers Extra Yard for Teachers

Extra Yard for Teachers 2026 | September 12–19, 2026

Celebrating the Educators Who Change Lives Every Day

The University of South Alabama's College of Education and Professional Studies, in partnership with South Alabama Athletics and the Sun Belt Conference, is proud to celebrate Extra Yard for Teachers Week, September 12–19, 2026.

This weeklong nation-wide celebration recognizes the dedication, passion and lasting impact of educators who inspire students, strengthen communities and shape the future. Throughout the week, teachers will be honored through special events, classroom support opportunities and a game-day celebration during the Jags vs. Ohio football game at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

As the College celebrates its 60th Anniversary, we're especially proud to recognize the educators who continue our legacy of preparing leaders, transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Teacher holding check and football player speaking to kids

Big Reveal Pep Rally | Tuesday, September 15

One deserving school will receive a surprise visit featuring South Alabama football players, cheerleaders Jags Pep Band and SouthPaw during the Extra Yard for Teachers Big Reveal Pep Rally.

Highlights

$1,000 Classroom Grant awarded to one school
$100 Classroom Supply Award presented to one educator
Pep rally celebration with students, faculty and staff

Teachers celebrating with Southpaw and game day field.

Extra Yard for Teachers Game Day Celebration | Saturday, September 19

Jags vs. Ohio Football Game | Kick off 6pm | Hancock Whitney Stadium

Join fellow educators for a special game-day celebration recognizing the important role teachers play in our communities. As a part of celebrating our educators, you will have access to:

One complimentary game ticket for educators
$15 discounted tickets for family and friends (promo code required)
Giveaways and Jaguar swag at the College Gameday Tailgate
Special game day recognition
Access to the free Extra Yard for Teachers Tailgate, hosted by the College of Education and Professional Studies, AMSTI and SARIC
The first 250 educators will receive special bags when they register for the Amazon Wish List Drawing at the Fan Engagement Table near Gates 2 and 3.

Game Day Tickets (coming soon)

Game Day Information

Alumni at tailgate playing cornhole and standing in front of tailgate tent.

Extra Yard for Teachers Tailgate | Saturday, September 19

Saturday, September 19 | 3:30–6 p.m. | Jag Row, on John Counts Drive (Near Gate 1 & the Kids Zone)

Kick off game day with fellow educators at our complimentary tailgate before cheering on the Jaguars. Our partners, the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the South Alabama Research and In-Service Center (SARIC), will also be there to celebrate with you.

Enjoy:

Complimentary food and beverages
Giveaways and Jaguar swag
Fellowship with fellow educators, alumni and friends
Opportunities to connect with College faculty and staff
Register for the Amazon Classroom Wish List Giveaway

Students with sign for Teacher Amazon Wishlist

Amazon Classroom Wish List Giveaway

South Alabama Athletics, through the Sun Belt Conference, is giving teachers the opportunity to fulfill their Amazon Wish Lists for classroom instruction enhancement projects. We're awarding 26 teachers a total of over $7,500 to enhance their classrooms!

To Enter

Attend the Jags vs. Ohio football game on Saturday, September 19.
Drop by the College of Education and Professional Studies Tailgate to enter the Amazon Wish List Drawing or Inside the Stadium, drop by the Fan Engagement Table located near Gates 2 and 3 to enter the Amazon Wish List Drawing

Classroom Supply Awards

One educator will be selected for a $1,000 wish list fulfillment
Two educators will be selected for $500 fulfillments after the first quarter of the game.
Twenty-five educators will be selected for $200 fulfillments and notified via email the following week.

Celebrating Extra Yard for Teachers Week

Nominate a Teacher

Recognize a Great Teacher: Know a great teacher who deserves to be recognized during Extra Yard for Teachers Week? Nominate a teacher who has made a significant impact using the link below.

Nominate a Teacher

Alumni with cheerleaders at 60th anniversary,

Have You Heard? We are celebrating our 60th Anniversary!

Whether you're a classroom teacher, school administrator, counselor, alumni or friend of the College, we invite you to celebrate with us during Extra Yard for Teachers Week. Together, we'll honor the educators who make a difference every day while celebrating the College's 60 years of preparing leaders, transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Go Jags!

Explore Our 60th Anniversary Celebration

College Gameday Tailgates