i3 Academy

The i3 Academy Executive Board is pleased to announce that Mrs. Ashley Kean, current dean of students, will be the new i3 Academy High School principal as of July 1st when Dr. Tamala Maddox, current i3 High School principal, assumes the role of head of schools for the Network after Dr. Martin Nalls retires.

Mrs. Kean, in her sixteenth year as an educator, has served as a classroom teacher at i3 Elementary School, an English teacher at i3 Middle School, and is currently the Dean of Students at i3 High School. She brings a deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school climate that supports student growth and community engagement. Her passion lies in creating enriching student experiences, promoting college and career readiness, and mentoring student leaders.

Mrs. Kean enjoys spending time with her husband and son, experiencing new adventures that bring joy to their lives.

Congratulations, Mrs. Kean! We know you will be amazing in this new role!

The i3 Academy Executive Board is pleased to announce Dr. Tamala Maddox, current i3 Academy High School principal, will be the new head of schools for i3 Academy. She will assume the position after founding head of schools Dr. Martin Nalls retires on July 1st. The i3 Academy Executive Board is also pleased to announce that Mrs. Ashley Kean, current dean of students, will be the new i3 Academy High School principal.

With over 30 years of experience in education, i3 Academy’s Executive Board is confident in Dr. Maddox’s ability to lead this next endeavor as head of schools. Under her leadership, i3 Middle School students displayed 100% academic growth on ACAP for three years. Among her many accomplishments at i3 High School, she has fostered positive relationships among students and families and broadened the athletic, STEM, and college/career preparation programs. She has proven her skills as a team builder and supporter of her teachers and staff.

Dr. Maddox holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Secondary Math Education from Auburn University in addition to an Education Specialist Certification and PhD in Educational Leadership from UAB. As an active and well-respected member of the Council for Leaders of Alabama Schools (CLAS), Dr. Maddox is part of an elite group of educators who champion high-quality schools for the children of Alabama.

Dr. Maddox and her husband, Derrick Maddox, have three daughters, ages 27, 25, and 23. In her free time, she enjoys reading and walking.

Congratulations, Dr. Maddox!! We know you will soar in this new role! 🚀

After nearly 30 years in public education, founding Head of Schools Dr. Martin Nalls is retiring. Starting as a classroom teacher and moving through the ranks of school leadership positions, Dr. Nalls has devoted his career to helping students meet their fullest potential. He has served on several state boards and task forces, including the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals, Council for Leaders of Alabama Schools, Alabama ACT Council, Alabama Association of Middle School Principals.

Dr. Nalls and his team opened i3 Academy in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, keeping the doors open for the entire year. Under his leadership, the Network has experienced a series of successes as additional campuses have opened with a trajectory to have i3 High School graduates in 2028. In his next chapter, he plans to work in charter advocacy and college access for students from low-income areas.

As of July 1st, a leadership change will take place. The i3 Academy Executive Board is pleased to announce that Dr. Tamala Maddox, the current principal of i3 Academy High School, will become the new head of schools. Additionally, Mrs. Ashley Kean, currently the dean of students, will assume the role of principal at i3 Academy High School.

Since its inception, Dr. Nalls has poured his heart and soul into establishing i3 Academy as a leading educational institution. His unwavering commitment stems from a desire to create opportunities for students in Woodlawn and beyond. We are immensely grateful for his dedication to our mission to empower students to be agents of change who solve the problems they see in their world.

We’re wishing you the best in your next chapter, Dr. Nalls! Keep soaring!

i3 Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mrs. Tramine Pryor as our new director of student services!

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in education, we are confident that Mrs. Pryor will thrive in this role. She has excelled as assistant principal at i3 Elementary this year and was honored as the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year at R.F. Bumpus Middle School. Her commitment to fostering a positive climate and culture is evident through her collaborative work with students, parents, and staff. Mrs. Pryor’s extensive background as a former special education teacher and her leadership roles make her the perfect fit to support our students and families.

We are confident that her passion and expertise will greatly benefit our community. Join us in congratulating Mrs. Pryor as she embarks on this exciting journey! We can't wait to see the positive impact she will make! 🚀 ✨

i3 Elementary hosted their annual Rocket Day this week! They had a blast with various hands-on and STEM games! This annual tradition bring great joy to students and teachers alike. What a fantastic way to close out the year!

Thank you to Ms. Scott and her team leading the planning of this event! 🚀

This week i3 Middle School students participated in their first Lemonade Day Expo & Community Marketplace! This exciting event, hosted by 7th Grade Social Studies classes, celebrated and promoted entrepreneurship in our community.

The event included:
- Over 20 Student-Run Businesses: Unique lemonade stands and handmade goods from our talented young entrepreneurs.
- Sip, Shop, & Support: Guests enjoyed refreshing lemonade while supporting local student businesses.

This fantastic opportunity allowed our students to engage with the community, support our youth, and have some fun! Thank you to everyone who came out to support our students, and we want to send a big shout out to Ms. Richmond for organizing! 🍋

We had a great fifth grade Career Fair last week!

Our fifth graders had a great time at the Tennessee Aquarium to close out their time at the elementary school!

After twenty five years and three months in education, Coach Benita Gordon is retiring. She dedicated the first twenty-two years of her career to Greenwood Elementary School, making a significant impact in Bessemer City Schools as a physical education teacher, head girls basketball coach, and principal designee, among other roles. Coach Gordon built a remarkable legacy, earning National Board Certification and being named Bessemer District Teacher of the Year. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom, culminating in achievements like middle school championships and high school regional appearances.

For the past three years, she served as a Wellness teacher at i3 Academy, where she was instrumental in launching the inaugural athletic program and mentoring substitute teachers.

Reflecting on her career, Coach Gordon shares: “It has been an absolute honor to serve in education. One of the greatest blessings of this profession has been the experiences and relationships built over the years. I leave thankful for every student, family, and colleague who shaped this journey, and for a career that allowed me to impact lives both inside and beyond the school walls.”

As she retires, Coach Gordon looks forward to focusing on life coaching, wellness, ministry, community engagement, and continued advocacy for children and families. Please join us in thanking her for her profound dedication and wishing her the best in her well-deserved retirement!

Awesome!! Congrats!