The National Online Teacher of the Year for K-12 was co-founded by the Southern Regional Education Board and the International Association for K-12 Online Learning. The other finalists from this year include Thomas Landon from Virtual Virginia, Dianna Miller from Florida Virtual School, Emily Parrish from North Carolina Virtual Public School, and Andrew Vanden Heuvel from Michigan Virtual School.
Because online learning can help such a wide range of students, Kipp said access is of the utmost importance.
“I don’t necessarily think that full-time online education is the best approach for every kid, but for those who need it, it is absolutely essential. I have so many kids who wouldn’t graduate if this program didn’t exist,” she said. “It’s so important that we value online education and make sure all kids have access.”
For more on virtual learning:
- Children learn best on paper: We need better technology, not less of it - July 13, 2026
- In districts, reaching readiness, retention, and success - March 5, 2026
- AI use is on the rise, but is guidance keeping pace? - January 2, 2026