As Principal, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing teachers who, in daily practice, remind us of what excellence in instruction looks like. While we, on occasion, have the opportunity to celebrate a few of these stand-out educators state-wide by awarding them a “Teacher of the Year” award, the truth is that very few come to us like this. More often, the excellence we are “hoping” for is something we must intentionally coach, consistently develop, and routinely p

The team at New Schools for Alabama stands out as a beacon of innovation and commitment to educational equity. In this series, The Making of New Schools for Alabama, we will delve into the stories of those who help drive this transformative organization as we unveil the diverse backgrounds, unique insights, and relentless dedication that make up our dynamic team. Meet Melanie Haynes, Senior Director of Accounting. If you ask Melanie Haynes about her proudest titles, “Senior D

In this month's issue, you’ll find updates on sector growth, policy developments, and the 2025–2026 demographic profile of Alabama’s charter schools. While charter schools currently serve just 1.3 percent of the state’s public school students, demand continues to outpace supply, with thousands of families seeking access. Dr. Mike Brown ’s article, “A Conversation with Principals,”  challenges school leaders to rethink how excellence is built within a school. Rather than relyi

Bernard Mitchell is a name synonymous with transformative education in Alabama. His career is marked by a rich tapestry of roles, from Chief Academic Officer to Director of Federal Programs, each of which has imbued him with a nuanced understanding of education’s vast ecosystem.  Mitchell's story begins in the deep South, born the youngest of fifteen siblings. "First of all, I am the youngest boy of 9 males and the youngest of 15 children. My mother’s maiden name is Love, and

New poll shows strong, bipartisan support for public charter schools across Alabama

As we welcome 2026, the Charter Connect  January issue kicks off the year with stories that inspire, empower, and elevate Alabama’s public charter schools. In this issue, readers will meet Legacy Prep’s energetic band director, Randall Spears , whose commitment to scholar success goes far beyond music class. We also introduce Russell Raney , NSFA’s Chief Financial Officer, who plays a pivotal role behind the scenes in building operational excellence across the sector. The Par

Fall is here, and with it, the momentum that always seems to hit after the first few weeks of school. Classrooms are buzzing with...

On August 16, 2028, New Schools for Alabama (NSFA)  proudly hosted the in-person kickoff  of the Parent Voice Fellowship Cohort 4  at our...

Dr. Lucretia Prince and Dr. Angela Lang Founders On the first day of school, there is always magic in the air, but this one felt...

Welcome to the Back to School issue of Charter Connect! As we prepare to launch the 2025–2026 school year, this issue is brimming with...

ShaElla Askew with National Parents Union Last week, I found myself in Washington D.C., sitting on a national panel hosted by the...

As spring blooms across Alabama, we are reminded that growth—whether in gardens, schools, or communities—always begins with seeds of...

And yes, Kangaroo Willie stole the show   Canva Create 2025 I, along with my teammate ShaElla, aka Sha, (our Communications Manager) had...

On Saturday, April 5th, 2025, in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, the energy in the room was electric. Parents, educators, advocates,...

Welcome to the March 2025 issue of Charter Connect Magazine ! This edition is packed with inspiring stories and exciting developments...

Dr. Calandra Sales with NSFA's Senior Director of Leader Support, Jackie Bretl Upon first meeting Dr. Calandra Sales , you’re immediately...

Dr. Angela Lang In the heart of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a transformative vision for education is taking shape. Dr. Angela Lang , the founder...

Dr. Krista Williams Dr. Krista Williams, a graduate of the School Founders Program, has turned her vision into reality by launching the...

New Schools for Alabama is thrilled to announce that our Chief Communications Officer, Candie Mitchell-Price , has been selected as part...

Welcome to the January 2025 issue of Charter Connect Magazine ! This edition is brimming with exciting updates from Alabama's charter...