Robin Burns, a networking and cybersecurity instructor at the Calvert Career and Technology Academy in Prince Frederick, has been named the 2025 National Cryptologic Foundation Teacher of the Year.
The National Cryptologic Foundation selected Burns for the award, recognizing her efforts in advancing pre-college cybersecurity education and preparing students for roles essential to national security. The foundation presented the honor during its Cocktails & Codebreakers event on October 22, 2025, in Hanover, Maryland. Attendees at the gathering included representatives from government agencies, military branches, private sector companies, and educational institutions, all focused on developing cyber talent.
Burns, now in her 17th year as an educator and ninth year focusing on cybersecurity and networking, has developed a curriculum that combines technical skills with practical applications. Students in her program pursue industry credentials and explore career pathways in cybersecurity fields. She holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus, along with master’s degrees in special education and administration from Wilmington University, and a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University. Burns also completed the National Cybersecurity Teacher Academy and maintains several professional certifications that she incorporates into lessons.
In addition to classroom instruction, Burns contributes to the broader field by speaking at conferences and partnering with organizations to improve access to cybersecurity programs. She recently appeared on the National Cryptologic Foundation’s CyberChats podcast, sharing approaches to engaging students in cyber topics and building effective learning pathways.
Dr. Alisha Jordan, the foundation’s director of education, highlighted Burns during the award presentation as a teacher who prepares the next generation to thrive in the digital age and whose impact goes well beyond the classroom.
This national accolade builds on Burns’ recent recognitions, including the 2025 Maryland Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year and the 2020 Teach Cyber Teacher of the Year.
Carrie Akins, principal of the Calvert Career and Technology Academy, praised Burns’ contributions. “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,” Akins said. “We are proud to celebrate this incredible accomplishment and grateful for her dedication to our students and community.”
The Calvert Career and Technology Academy serves high school students across the county, offering specialized programs in areas like cybersecurity, engineering, and health sciences. Located in Prince Frederick, the academy partners with local businesses and institutions to provide hands-on training and certification opportunities. Cybersecurity education has grown in importance in Southern Maryland, home to Naval Air Station Patuxent River and numerous defense contractors that rely on skilled professionals in digital security and information technology.
Programs like Burns’ align with state and national initiatives to address shortages in cyber workforce needs. Maryland’s Career and Technical Education framework emphasizes pathways that lead to postsecondary credentials, apprenticeships, or direct employment. In Calvert County, students in the networking and cybersecurity track complete coursework covering topics such as network configuration, ethical hacking fundamentals, and threat detection, often earning certifications from organizations like CompTIA and Cisco.
The National Cryptologic Foundation, based near the National Security Agency in Maryland, supports education in cryptology and cybersecurity through resources, scholarships, and teacher development programs. Its Teacher of the Year award spotlights educators who demonstrate innovation in instruction and commitment to student success in these disciplines.
Burns’ selection underscores the strength of local CTE offerings in preparing residents for high-demand jobs in the region. Many graduates from the academy’s cybersecurity program enter roles at federal agencies, military installations, or private firms in Southern Maryland, contributing to both economic growth and national defense priorities.
This recognition highlights ongoing efforts in Calvert County Public Schools to expand STEM and CTE access, ensuring students gain skills relevant to the area’s technology-driven economy.