i3 Academy High School · Rockets

Dr. Michael L.
Hollingsworth

Science Educator · STEM Advocate · Mentor

Inspiring the next generation of scientists and critical thinkers at i3 Academy High School in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dr. Michael L. Hollingsworth

The Philosophy of Dr. Michael L. Hollingsworth

Keep on Smiling™

"Keep on Smiling" is a registered trademark of Dr. Michael L. Hollingsworth. All rights reserved.

😊

What Does It Mean?

"Keep on Smiling" is more than a phrase — it is a daily declaration, a quiet command, and a steady reassurance that carries students from one moment to the next. Spoken with calm authority and genuine warmth, these three words are Dr. Hollingsworth's signature call to resilience.

The message is clear: do not be consumed by yesterday's failures, and do not be paralyzed by tomorrow's uncertainties. Fix your eyes on what lies ahead. Walk with purpose. Carry yourself with dignity. And no matter what this day brings — keep on smiling.

For Dr. Hollingsworth, a smile is not a sign of naivety — it is a sign of strength. It says, "I have been through the storm, I know more is coming, and I am still here." It is the quiet confidence of someone who has chosen to press forward.

🎓

A Calling, Not Just a Career

Dr. Hollingsworth does not simply show up to teach — he shows up to serve. He has always believed that his place in the classroom is not a coincidence; it is a divine appointment. Teaching is his true calling, placed on his heart by God, and he honors that calling every day with patience, preparation, and unshakable love for the students entrusted to his care.

Whether navigating the complexities of Chemistry, exploring the wonders of Earth and Space Science, or guiding students through the intricacies of Anatomy and Physiology, Dr. Hollingsworth approaches every lesson with the same gentle certainty: every student has greatness within them, and it is his purpose to help them find it.

🕊️

Calm & Steady

A reassuring presence in every classroom

💡

Confident & Clear

Expertise that inspires trust and curiosity

❤️

Caring & Committed

Every student matters, every single day

📖

Faith-Driven

Guided by purpose, principle, and prayer

His Guiding Verse

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

— Micah 6:8 (ESV)

These words are the compass by which Dr. Hollingsworth leads his life and his classroom. To do what is right, to treat every student with kindness and dignity, and to walk in humility — knowing that the gifts he carries are not his own, but given to him by God for a purpose far greater than himself. Keep on Smiling™ is the outward expression of that inward conviction.

About Me

Welcome! I'm Dr. Michael L. Hollingsworth, a dedicated science educator at i3 Academy High School — home of the Rockets — in Birmingham, Alabama. With a passion for inquiry-based learning, I strive to make science accessible, exciting, and meaningful for every student.

My academic credentials span multiple disciplines. I hold a Doctorate in Theology and a Doctorate in Chemistry Education, an Education Specialist (Ed.S) in Special Education, a Master of Science in Chemistry Education, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education – General Science. This broad academic foundation allows me to bring a rich, multidisciplinary perspective to everything I teach.

Outside the classroom, I mentor students in STEM competitions, collaborate with local universities, and actively work to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

2

Doctorates (Theology & Chemistry Ed.)

5,000+

Students Mentored

6

Degrees Earned

25+

Years of Experience

Student Resources

Everything you need to succeed — syllabi, study guides, lab materials, and more.

Need your grades or assignments?

Log in to the school's learning management system anytime.

Announcements

Stay up to date with the latest news, events, and class updates.

May 28, 2026

AP Biology Exam Results Posted

Congratulations to all students who took the AP Biology exam! Results are now available through the College Board portal.

May 15, 2026

End-of-Year Science Fair

Our annual STEM Research Fair will be held June 10th in the school gymnasium. All Biology and Environmental Science students are invited to present.

April 30, 2026

Summer Reading List Available

Students enrolled in AP Biology for the 2026–2027 school year can download the summer reading list from the Resources section.

Contact Me

Have a question? Reach out and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Email

Doc@keeponsmiling.org

Phone

(256) 553-8165

School Address

2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35215

Office Hours

Monday – Friday:7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

After School: By appointment only