About The Author
Niah Spriggs
As the first in my family to attend college, I know firsthand the struggles many of our students endure. Like many in the OKCPS district, I grew up navigating poverty and adversity. My journey was far from a fairytale, but with prayer, perseverance and hard work, I overcame the barriers that so many of our students face daily. I understand what it takes to succeed, and I want to ensure that every child in our district has the same opportunities to succeed.
As an entrepreneur, a mother of five, and a public school teacher, I have firsthand experience in addressing learning gaps and empowering students to reach their full potential. My background in finance—working for major banks like Wells Fargo and Citi in risk and compliance, and as an auditor on Wall Street —gave me valuable insights into resource management and accountability.
However, through my financial success, I found my true passion in education. I built and sold a business, then turned my focus to volunteering in schools. Eventually, I transitioned to full-time teaching, where I witnessed the systemic breakdowns in OKCPS that impact teachers, staff, and ultimately, our students. I am the owner of IBLA Academy in the OKC metro area. We are a micro school and we are uniquely focused on academics.
Q&A
Most frequent questions
Why did you choose education after a successful career in finance?
After years of working with major banks and on Wall Street, I realized that my true calling was education and supporting children. My experience in finance taught me resource management and accountability, but when I started volunteering in schools, I knew I wanted to make a real difference from within the education system. That led me to teaching and eventually creating my own academy.
What inspired you to write All About Fractions and Number Tables?
These books were born from my experience working with students who struggled to understand math. I wanted to simplify complex concepts and make them approachable and engaging. Each book was created to help children gain confidence and enjoy learning.
What makes IBLA Academy unique?
IBLA Academy is a micro-school with a strong focus on academics and personalized learning. Our small class sizes allow us to work closely with each student, identify learning gaps, and provide the support they need to reach their full potential.
