Alabama state education director forced out of position due to 'woke' training book

The Alabama secretary of early childhood education has resigned over a controversy about a supposedly "woke" training book for teachers. 

Former state education director Barbara Cooper resigned from her position this week after GOP Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey took issue with a book Cooper suggested for Pre-K teachers in the state that was referred to by the governor as "woke." Gov. Ivey made the decision to replace Cooper. 

A spokesperson from Ivey's office told the Associated Press in a statement that the book is titled the "National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Developmentally Appropriate Practice Book, 4th edition." 

It's marketed toward teachers who work with students through age eight.

According to a press release from the governor's office, the book discusses "woke concepts," including white privilege and argues that "the United States is built on systemic and structural racism." The release also claims that the book "teaches LGBTQ+ inclusion to 4-year-olds." 

"The education of Alabama's children is my top priority as governor, and there is absolutely no room to distract or take away from this mission," Ivey said in a statement. "Let me be crystal clear: Woke concepts that have zero to do with a proper education and that are divisive at the core have no place in Alabama classrooms at any age level, let alone with our youngest learners."

Charlotte Hazard is a reporter at Just the News. Follow her on Twitter.