Headmaster

Bessemer Academy is led by Headmaster, Tom Hannah. Coach Hannah began his career at Bessemer Academy in 2021 teaching history and driver’s education, as well as serving as head coach for the boy’s varsity basketball team, a title he continues to hold. He spent the 2022-2023 school year as Assistant Headmaster and began his tenure as Headmaster in the fall of 2023. With 32 years of experience, he is prepared to guide the staff and student body into a new era of academic and athletic excellence. One thing that Coach Hannah enjoys about his new position is being able to visit all of the classrooms. Coach Hannah has prioritized new security features for our school, in addition to adding a School Resource Officer.  

Prior to coming to Bessemer Academy, Coach Hannah spent 25 years teaching and coaching in Jefferson County Schools from 1991-2016. He retired from Jefferson County Schools in May 2016 as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director of Oak Grove High. In 2016 and 2017, he worked in fundraising and sporting goods. Hannah was named head softball coach at Judson College in 2017 and served in that position until the school’s closing in 2021. 

Outside of his role as headmaster, Hannah has been the Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Shannon for 26 years. Coach Hannah is married to Valeria White Hannah and has one dog, Fenway.