Alabama Charter Schools Name Three Teachers of the Year
The awards highlight top educators as the state prepares to open additional charter school campuses through 2028.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Alabama Public Charter School Commission has named three Birmingham-area educators as winners of the 2026 Nelson Marshall Awards for Teaching Excellence. These awards recognize teachers for their dedication and leadership within the state's charter school system.
Why it matters
These awards highlight the evolving landscape of public charter education in Alabama, where the network of specialized learning institutions continues to grow. Celebrating educator success underscores the state's focus on retaining high-quality faculty as more schools are slated to open.
Three educators were honored with the 2026 Nelson Marshall Awards for Teaching Excellence, representing a selection from the state's charter school faculty. The awards recognize one teacher each at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The players
Alabama Public Charter School Commission
The state agency responsible for the authorization and oversight of public charter schools throughout Alabama.
Freedom Preparatory Academy
An elementary-level public charter school located in the Birmingham area.
Empower Community School
A public charter school located in Bessemer that serves the local student population.
i3 Academy High School
A secondary-level public charter institution that provides specialized academic programming.
The details
The Alabama Public Charter School Commission selected the recipients based on their professional dedication, leadership qualities, and measurable commitment to student success. Tauna Kramer of Freedom Preparatory Academy earned the Elementary Teacher of the Year title, while Kristopher King from the Empower Community School in Bessemer took the Middle School Teacher of the Year award. Maria Manley of i3 Academy High School was named the High School Teacher of the Year.
Timeline
2026: Recipients received the Nelson Marshall Awards for Teaching Excellence.
Through 2028: More charter schools are scheduled to open across the state.
The Home Front
The recognition of these teachers aligns with the broader growth of Alabama's charter school network as the state adds new facilities through 2028. This expansion reflects a documented trend in state education policy toward diversifying public school options for local families.
If you are considering enrollment for your children, research the expansion plans for charter schools in your area as new campuses are expected to open through 2028. Families can monitor the Alabama Public Charter School Commission website for updates on new school locations and academic performance reports.
The takeaway
The growth of the charter system means more families will have new academic options to evaluate in the coming years. Keep a close watch on local school board announcements to see if new charter facilities are planned for your district before the 2028 deadline.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of local schools, see Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bham Now.
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