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Kala Grice-Dobbins: AFA’s 2025 National Teacher of the Year Runner-Up
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Kala Grice-Dobbins, an exceptional K-12 educator from the Madison county Career Tech Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is being honored as the second-place winner of the Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) 2025 Thompson-Mallett National Teacher of the Year Award. this prestigious accolade is proudly sponsored by Rolls-Royce.
A Champion for Cybersecurity Education
Grice-Dobbins’ nomination underscored her visionary approach to education,her tireless advocacy for students,and her distinguished leadership in the rapidly expanding field of cybersecurity education. Throughout 19 years of teaching experience, including two years as a 10th-12th Grade Cybersecurity Pathway to Career Teacher at Madison County Career Tech Center, Grice-Dobbins has consistently provided her students with immersive, hands-on learning experiences. these experiences foster crucial skills in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, essential for success in STEM careers.
The Growing Importance of cybersecurity Education
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. According to CyberSeek,as of August 29,2025,there are over 750,000 open cybersecurity positions in the United States. This represents a significant skills gap, making educators like Grice-Dobbins vital to building a future workforce capable of defending against increasingly elegant cyber threats. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32% growth in employment for information security analysts between 2020 and 2030, far faster then the average for all occupations.
Focus on Underserved Students
She has also devoted her career to serving primarily underprivileged students, opening their eyes to opportunities they never imagined possible. Grice-Dobbins actively seeks out students who might not or else consider STEM fields, providing mentorship and support to help them succeed. A recent internal assessment at Madison County Career Tech Center (Spring 2025) showed a 40% increase in enrollment of underrepresented minorities in the cybersecurity pathway since Grice-Dobbins joined the faculty.
“When we lead with heart and purpose, we don’t just teach-we inspire greatness,” Grice-Dobbins said.
Her dedication is evident in her proactive approach to curriculum progress. She recently partnered with local cybersecurity firms to create a simulated “capture the flag” competition for her students, providing them with real-world experience in ethical hacking and network defense.This initiative, launched in Fall 2024, has already resulted in several students receiving internship offers.
The Thompson-Mallett National Teacher of the Year Award
The AFA’s Thompson-Mallett National Teacher of the Year Award recognizes exceptional K-12 teachers who demonstrate excellence in STEM education. The award is named in honor of Albert Thompson and Robert Mallett, two pioneering african American officers in the U.S.Air Force who overcame significant obstacles to achieve success. The award aims to inspire future generations of STEM educators and to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
Key Takeaways
- Kala Grice-Dobbins is a dedicated educator focused on cybersecurity education.
- She prioritizes hands-on learning and real-world experience for her students.
- Grice
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