Three local teachers recognized for excellence in Alabama Charter Schools. * Forrest Webber | Bear Brothers Cleaning | The Trade Table * October 22, 2026 Three educators from Birmingham-area schools have been recognized for their dedication to teaching and student achievement. The Alabama Public Charter School Commission (APCSC) named its 2026 Nelson Marshall Awards for Teaching Excellence recipients on October 22, honoring teachers across elementary, middle, and high school levels. All three award recipients work at public charter schools in the Birmingham metro area. Meet the 2026 Nelson Marshall award winners. Tauna Kramer of Freedom Preparatory Academy received the Elementary Teacher of the Year award. Kristopher King of Empower Community School was named Middle School Teacher of the Year, while Maria Manley of i3 Academy High School earned the High School Teacher of the Year distinction. The awards recognize educators for their teaching, leadership, and commitment to helping students succeed. This year's recipients represent schools serving students across Birmingham and nearby communities. Alabama commission recognizes Teaching Excellence. The APCSC oversees public charter schools across Alabama and presents the Nelson Marshall Awards to highlight educators making a difference in their school communities. The commission praised this year's winners for demonstrating the quality of teaching happening throughout the state's public charter school system. It also encouraged the community to celebrate the educators and their schools. The recognition shines a spotlight on teachers' contributions to student learning and the role they play in supporting school communities. Charter schools serving Birmingham and nearby cities. Two of this year's award-winning schools, Freedom Preparatory Academy and i3 Academy, are located in Birmingham. Empower Community School serves students in nearby Bessemer. The APCSC also oversees charter schools in Fairfield, Homewood, Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. Additional schools are expected to open through 2028, expanding the charter school network across the state. The awards bring attention to educators working across this growing network and their efforts to support student success.

Amason & Associates, Inc. is proud to have partnered with Freedom Preparatory Academy Charter Schools, and CCR Architecture & Interiors to complete this project for the community.