We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Fortify Foundation
Teachers of the Year our inaugural award recognizing
outstanding Christian educators from Fortify-partnered schools .
The following teachers exemplify excellence, servant leadership, and deep faith in the classroom and beyond. Help us congratulate our 2025 recipients!
KELLY WHITTINGTON – Liberty Classical Academy , New Castle, CO
15 Years in Christian Education
Kelly has been a foundational force at Liberty Classical Academy, serving as both a seasoned Spanish instructor and head of the school’s student house system. She has built a vibrant, Christ-centered classroom culture while pioneering Christian education in a largely secular community. Her creative use of methods like Total Physical Response (TPR) helps students not only learn Spanish but love learning it. Beyond academics, Kelly’s mentorship has shaped student leaders, guided mission teams to Mexico, and discipled women through summer Bible studies. Her life is a steady testimony of faith, wisdom, and resilience.
CHRISTINA JETER – Praise Christian Academy, Powder Springs, GA
8 Years in Christian Education
When faced with an unexpected staffing illness mid-year, Christina stepped up, combining both 5th grade classrooms and taking on all subjects with grace, courage, and excellence. Her sacrificial leadership provided stability and continuity for her students in a time of uncertainty. Known for her calm spirit and classroom creativity, Christina promotes teamwork through student-led mentoring, leadership activities, and group collaboration. She doesn’t just meet challenges; she transforms them into moments of growth and unity. Her unwavering faith and servant-hearted mindset have made a lasting impression on her school community.
LEANN THORPE – Wilmington Christian Academy, Wilmington, NC
22 Years in Christian Education
A beloved second-grade teacher for over two decades, LeAnn is known for her contagious joy, rich creativity, and deep spiritual investment in her students. Her classroom blends warmth with academic rigor, offering a range of learning methods from Socratic discussion and digital to storytelling to group collaboration and role-play. But her greatest gift is how she connects deeply with each student. She begins each day in prayer for them by name and lives out the love of Christ through countless small acts of care. She is a tireless encourager, attending baptisms, games, and family events. Whether crocheting a comfort animal for a grieving student or supporting families outside the classroom, LeAnn’s ministry of teaching is rich in grace and truth.
INVEST In Future Generations Through
THE FORTIFY TEACHER OF THE YEAR FUND
We want to recognize and honor the outstanding educators that have helped shape our Christian schools and have made a significant impact on many young lives throughout our county. We also want to make sure that teachers have the resources they need to be as effective as possible in the classroom
2026 TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS OPEN IN JANUARY!
NOMINATION CRITERIA
While we are thankful for all of the support / administrative staff that helps contribute to the success of Christian schools, the nature of this scholarship grant is for the purpose of directly impacting the classroom. Therefore,
> The nominee must be a k-12 teacher (this can include elective / secondary / enrichment courses)
> The nominee must have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience (this may be a sum total from previous employments)
> The nominee must be contracted to the school for next school year
> In accordance with Proverbs 22:1, the teacher must have a good reputation with staff, students, and school families
AWARD(S) CRITERIA:
Fortify Foundation must award all scholarships directly to a non-profit organization. The scholarship must be utilized for a teacher led project that will directly enhance the classroom experience. IF through unforeseen circumstances, the terms of this grant cannot be met, the grant will then be allocated directly to the endowment fund of the school’s choice.
Current FORTIFY partners are invited to submit entries for the 2026 Christian School Teacher of the Year in January 2026!