Calvert County Public Schools Educator Named National Cryptologic Foundation Teacher of the Year

The National Cryptologic Foundation has selected Robin Burns, networking and cybersecurity teacher at the Career and Technology Academy, as the 2025 National Cryptologic Foundation Teacher of the Year, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors in pre-college cybersecurity education. The award recognizes an educator whose work shows exceptional commitment to advancing cybersecurity learning, innovation in instruction and preparation of the next generation of cyber talent critical to national security.

Burns received the award at the foundation’s Cocktails & Codebreakers event in Hanover, Maryland, on Oct. 22, 2025, where leaders from government, the military, private industry and education came together to celebrate excellence in cyber talent development. In presenting the award, the foundation highlighted Burns’ contributions to cybersecurity instruction, including her leadership in building rigorous student pathways, supporting credential attainment and inspiring students to pursue cyber careers.

Now in her 17th year in education and ninth year specializing in cybersecurity and networking, Burns has built a program that blends technical rigor with real-world relevance. She holds a master’s degree in cybersecurity technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus, a master’s degree in special education and administration from Wilmington University, and a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University. She is also a graduate of the National Cybersecurity Teacher Academy and maintains multiple industry certifications that she integrates into her classroom practice.

Beyond the classroom, Burns is a recognized state and national voice in cybersecurity education, presenting at conferences and collaborating with professional partners to expand access to high-quality cyber programs. She was recently featured on the NCF CyberChats podcast, where she discussed student empowerment, cyber pathways and instructional strategies that bring cybersecurity to life.

During the ceremony, Dr. Alisha Jordan, the foundation’s director of education, described Burns as a teacher "who prepares the next generation to thrive in the digital age and whose impact goes well beyond the classroom."

This national recognition follows Burns’ selection as the 2025 Maryland Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year and her earlier honor as the 2020 Teach Cyber Teacher of the Year.

“Robin Burns is a leader and an innovator whose work strengthens not only Calvert County Public Schools but the cybersecurity workforce pipeline for Maryland and the nation,” said Carrie Akins, principal of the Career and Technology Academy. “We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment and grateful for her dedication to our students and community.”