BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A teacher at Carver High School in Birmingham is one of several finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year.

Aubrey Bennett, who has taught U.S. government, economics and AP African-American History for the past 11 years, is among a handful of teachers across the state who is up for the annual honor.

“We are thrilled to have Mr. Bennett in Birmingham City Schools,” BCS Superintendent Mark Sullivan said in a statement. “He is a dedicated and compassionate educator who always puts his students first.”

In addition to his work as a teacher, Bennett also serves as a Student Government Association sponsor and is the school’s attendance liaison, where he works to cut down on truancy in the school.

Bennett, who was named BCS’ Secondary Teacher of the Year last year, has been a teacher for 17 years.

If he wins, Bennett will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year contest.