This Alabama Teacher Is Forging the Future of Cybersecurity Education

Kala Grice-Dobbins, an extraordinary K-12 educator from the Madison County Career Tech Center in Huntsville, Ala., is being honored as the second-place winner of AFA’s 2025 Thompson-Mallett National Teacher of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade is proudly sponsored by Rolls-Royce.

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.

She has also devoted her career to serving primarily underprivileged students, opening their eyes to opportunities they never imagined possible.

“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 pursuit and success in building impactful partnerships and securing over $100,000 in grants to provide cutting-edge technologies and essential resources for her classes and district, including hardwired classrooms, Digital Forensics Kits, Python-coded robots, and 3D printers. She even secured $25,000 for professional development for Middle School Computer Science Teachers, demonstrating her commitment to elevating STEM education beyond her own classroom. These resources ensure her students, particularly those in rural areas and Title I schools, remain highly competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Grice-Dobbins’ innovative teaching methodologies are a cornerstone of her success. She developed a full-year cybersecurity curriculum, blending coding, digital literacy, and real-world applications, initially building it from the ground up using the AFA’s CyberPatriot competition as a foundation. Her students’ achievements speak volumes: her CyberPatriot teams regularly reach the National Semifinals, and several of her students have been accepted into Alabama’s elite Magnet Cyber High School. This past year, her teams placed first and third in the Lt. Governor’s Cyber Cup Challenge, with her students making up seven of the top 10 teams in the state. Furthermore, 81 percent of her students earned at least one industry certification this year, with one exceptional student achieving 10, including the highly respected CompTIA Security+.

“I’ve witnessed the powerful impact of Kala Grice-Dobbins on students and STEM education,” said Kenneth Kubik, superintendent of Madison County Schools. “A standout in cybersecurity, she blends technical expertise with creativity and care. Her students build private Linux networks, earn certifications like CompTIA Security+, and engage in hands-on learning—81% earned at least one certification this year. Kala leads with equity and vision, preparing students to thrive in real-world STEM careers.”

Beyond the classroom, Grice-Dobbins serves as a Firia Labs Ambassador, training educators nationwide on how to integrate Python-based robotics into computer science curricula. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) and mentors other educators pursuing certification. Her expertise is frequently sought after, leading her to present at national conferences like CYBER.ORG and the North Alabama Technology Conference, where she shares her knowledge on grant writing and effective STEM instruction. She is a board member of the Cyber Huntsville Education Committee and the AI Huntsville Task Force Education Committee, actively shaping the future of technology education in her region.

One of her proudest accomplishments involves guiding her students in building a fully private Linux network from scratch, completely separate from the school system. This hands-on project, which included installing operating systems and creating user roles, provides students with invaluable practical skills and deepens their understanding of networking and cybersecurity. This real-world learning experience not only builds confidence but also directly prepares them for internships and careers, with some of her former students securing positions with organizations like the FBI and Amazon.

“Ms. Grice-Dobbins collaborates with numerous other cyber and STEM education organizations to ensure she is gaining extended professional development for herself while offering myriad cyber and STEM education opportunities to the students,” said John Pennell, the president of AFA’s Tennessee Valley Chapter 335 in Alabama, which nominated Grice-Dobbins for the award.

As the distinguished second place recipient, Grice-Dobbins will receive a prize of $2,000 for her significant achievements, relentless dedication, and the profound impact she has made on her students and the broader educational community.

AFA’s Teacher of the Year program meticulously recognizes and rewards innovative K-12 classroom teachers who consistently go above and beyond to teach and integrate aerospace-related STEM topics and programs. These educators are celebrated for developing initiatives that not only have a significant impact within their local communities but also extend to national-level involvement, serving as replicable models for educators across the country.