BIRMINGHAM, Ala (October 21, 2021) - i3 Academy is pleased to announce Mr. Nathaniel Dunn III as the winner of the 2021 Henry Nelson Teacher of Excellence Award. Mr. Dunn was honored during the Alabama Charter School Commission’s Teacher of the Year presentation at City Club on the morning of October 21st. He received a check for $2,500 as part of his award.
Mr. Dunn was selected by a committee of his peers as the i3 Academy teacher of the year, which qualified him for the statewide program. His fellow teachers recognized him as a relational, inspiring, and innovative educator. He is viewed as a leader but also humble and eager to be a team player.
A graduate of Woodlawn high school, Mr. Dunn’s return to this community through his role at i3 Academy brings his teaching experience full circle. He said, “I’ve always wanted to become the teacher that I wanted when I was in school. Being fun, empathetic and consistent brings the best qualities out of my students.”
Upon his acceptance of this award, Mr. Dunn stated, “I am deeply honored and grateful to accept this award. I’d like to share this achievement with all of the amazing teachers and staff at i3 Academy. Their dedication makes our school special. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do what I love.”
As a Southside baseball coach and mentor through the years, his role as teacher is one way he impacts the lives of the children in his community. Mr. Dunn has taught kindergarten, second grade, and currently teaches third grade at i3 Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Miles College and a master’s degree in elementary education from Liberty University. Outside of his regular school day, he is an EdFarm Teacher Fellow. This program enhances the learning experience of teachers and equips them to be designers and facilitators of future-focused learning.
“Mr. Dunn is an outstanding example of the collection of teaching talent at i3 Academy. Although he is a gifted educator and able to authentically connect with his students, he continues to seek opportunities to grow professionally. Mr. Dunn’s character, commitment and dedication uniquely qualify him for this honor,” said Dr. Martin Nalls, head of school for i3 Academy.
Please join the i3 family in congratulating Mr. Dunn on this great achievement!
i3 Academy is a network of tuition-free, public charter schools, serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade.The mission of i3 Academy is to empower learners to become agents of change who solve the problems they see in their world. To learn more, visit i3Academy.org.
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Contact:
Rachel Phillips, Communications Manager
[email protected]205-403-5777