Kristi Rice News Analytics Artificial Intelligence Civic Innovation Cloud & Computing Cybersecurity Lohrmann on Cybersecurity Education Election Technology Emerging Tech Budget & Finance Infrastructure Government Experience GovTech Biz Biz Data Health & Human Services Justice & Public Safety Broadband & Network Policy Smart Cities Transportation Workforce & People Voices Gov Efficiency Events Webinars Papers Magazine About About Us Advertise Newsletters Contact More Center for Digital Education Center for Digital Government Center for Public Sector AI Emergency Management Digital Communities Digital States GovTech Top 25 GovTech 100 Sponsored Articles Menu News Analytics Artificial Intelligence Civic Innovation Cloud & Computing Cybersecurity Lohrmann on Cybersecurity Education Election Technology Emerging Tech Budget & Finance Infrastructure Government Experience GovTech Biz Biz Data Health & Human Services Justice & Public Safety Broadband & Network Policy Smart Cities Transportation Workforce & People Voices Gov Efficiency Events Webinars Papers Magazine About About Us Advertise Newsletters Contact More Center for Digital Education Center for Digital Government Center for Public Sector AI Emergency Management Digital Communities Digital States GovTech Top 25 GovTech 100 Sponsored Articles Show Search CONTINUE TO SITE IE 11 Not Supported For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers. 2026 Top 25 Kristi Rice Cybersecurity Educator, Spotsylvania, Va. Spring 2026 Julia Gilban-Cohen Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print Email For Kristi Rice, a U.S. Army veteran and former ice cream shop owner, the transition to classroom teaching was a calling that quickly became a mission of national importance. She entered the classroom just as Virginia was launching its state-funded cybersecurity pathway program. When she found out she would be teaching the course, she quickly realized that a traditional educational approach rooted in memorization would not suffice for a field that demands real-time problem solving. Through the Virginia Cyber Range, Rice’s students learn through game- and scenario-based missions aimed at transforming students into active cyber defenders. “Students do not just learn cybersecurity,” she said. “They’re practicing it.” Rice also organizes the Virginia High School Cyber Cup, a free, statewide hackathon where student teams can compete in cyber challenges and connect with industry professionals. Rice’s impact now extends far beyond Virginia. Recognizing that many teachers feel isolated when starting technical programs, she has dedicated herself to building a far-reaching, collaborative community. Her philosophy is simple: No teacher should have to build a program alone. As a co-chair for the NICE (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education) K-12 community and a collaborator with the College Board on its AP cybersecurity initiative, she mentors educators globally. When Rice testified before Congress in 2025, she equated cybersecurity with national security, advocating for urgent investments in cloud-based cyber ranges and modern resources that reflect real-world threats. Central to her message was the need to support the educators who must constantly revamp lessons to keep pace with evolving technology. And by empowering students with industry credentials and hands-on experience before they even graduate high school, she isn’t just teaching a class — she is cultivating the next generation of cyber defenders. Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Print Email Tags: EducationK-12Workforce and People Julia Gilban-Cohen Julia Gilban-Cohen is a staff writer for the Center for Digital Education. Prior to joining the e.Republic team, she spent six years teaching special education in New York City public schools. Julia also continues to freelance as a reporter and social video producer. She is currently based in Los Angeles, California. See More Stories by Julia Gilban-Cohen Never miss a story with the GovTech Today newsletter. SUBSCRIBE twitter youtube facebook linkedin ©2026 All rights reserved. e.Republic LLC Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Privacy & AI